Dafydd Rhys, Chief Executive
Dafydd held a long career in the television industry both as a producer of content and as a Broadcaster. He started his career with HTV Wales before moving to the independent sector. He has also held posts as a Commissioning Editor at S4C, was the channel’s Director of Content until October 2016, Director of the Aberystwyth Arts Centre and Chair of AM the art sector's digital app in Wales 2021/22.
Dafydd has been in post since October 2022.
Diane Hebb, Director, Arts Engagement
Diane Hebb is the Director of Arts Engagement at Arts Council of Wales. The role involves developing, managing and implementing strategies and programmes that lead to more people creating, enjoying and taking part in the arts in Wales.
On completing her dance degree, Diane moved to Wales to join a dance in education company and then took up the post of Dance Animateur and Joint Coordinator with Rhondda Community Arts.
She joined Arts Council of Wales in 1992 as the Dance Officer and during her career she has undertaken many varied roles and responsibilities; she has been the strategic lead for Inclusion and Participation, has drafted the Council’s first equalities strategy and co-authored and overseen the implementation of its first arts and young people strategy.
She is currently responsible for a team which is working on a number of strands, including commissioned work aimed at progressing the engagement and equalities agenda. Chief amongst these is her current role, working in partnership with the Welsh Government to deliver an ambitious and pioneering arts and creative learning programme for Wales, supporting schools to develop approaches to the new Curriculum for Wales.
Diane is also the Council’s strategic lead for HR.
Other key responsibilities include:
- the Council’s Strategic Equality Plan,
- audience development
- development of Wales’ presenting venues,
- participatory arts and community arts,
- arts and young people
- creative learning,
- community touring
- Night Out scheme.
Diane is passionate about community engagement and the transformational impact the arts can have on the lives of individuals and communities.
Lorna Virgo, Director, Finance and Business Services
Lorna Virgo took up her position as Director, Finance and Business Services in October 2024. Lorna started her career with PwC Cardiff as part of their 2003 graduate intake. Primarily focusing on private sector audits, she also spent 3 years on secondment in their Brisbane office, before rejoining PwC Cardiff where she managed, and grew, the newly formed accounts preparation team.
In 2014 she left PwC to take up the role of Strategic Lead with the Welsh gender equality charity Chwarae Teg where she spent three years heading up the finance and corporate services teams. More recently Lorna has also had senior roles at Gwent Police and as Group FD at Amber - a net zero and utility consultancy company.
She has also had volunteer and committee roles including being Chair of Torfaen Leisure Trust, a member of the Audit and Risk Committee for POBL and helping set up a foodbank in her local area - Griffithstown, Pontypool.
Catryn Ramasut, Director of Arts
Catryn Ramasut took up her position in Ocotber 2024.
She brings her strategic leadership and entrepreneurial expertise to this new position along with 25 years of experience in the creative industries and arts organisations.
As a Cardiff-born, Welsh-speaking woman of mixed heritage, she offers a unique perspective to Wales's cultural landscape.
In her previous role as co-founder and Managing Director of 'ie ie Productions', Catryn produced award-winning content that integrated various art forms and showcased Welsh culture globally. Some of her notable projects include "Separado!", "Rockfield: The Studio on the Farm", and "Black and Welsh".
Catryn's leadership experience extends beyond her creative work. She served as the inaugural Chair of Creative Wales, board member of Chapter Arts Centre for 10 years, and represents Wales on the DCMS's Creative Industries Council. In these positions, Catryn has demonstrated her ability to provide strategic direction, foster growth in the creative industries, and champion diversity and inclusion.
In her new role as Director of Arts, Catryn is committed to revitalizing Wales's arts sector. She strives to blend cultural sensitivity, strategic innovation, and visionary leadership to shape a forward-thinking future for the arts in Wales. Under her direction, the arts in Wales will embrace diversity and nurture creativity across the nation.
