A FORMER Cefn Saeson schoolgirl has become Wales's answer to Karren Brady after joining the board of the Ospreys Rugby holding company.
Debra Williams, Welsh Woman of the Year for Innovation in 2006 and recognised as one of the UK's top 200 business women by the Queen in February 2007, will sit on the board of Llandarcy Park (Ospreys) Ltd.
The appointment echoes that of Brady who, in addition to becoming an advisor to Lord Sugar on hit TV business show The Apprentice, was appointed vice- chairman of West Ham United in January 2010.
Following her first 12 months at West Ham, the club made a trading profit for the first time in many years.
Mrs Williams has held a number of senior roles during her 20-year career and worked at a management level at some of the UK's most well-known businesses, including Confused.com and Tesco Compare.
During her time as managing director of Confused.com, the enterprising businesswoman built the firm into one of the UK's leading price comparison sites attracting more than 60,000 hits a day and profits of £36million.
Mrs Williams grew up in a rugby-focused family and her father Bernard, who is now 80 years old, took her and her sister Claire to watch Neath at the Gnoll ground from a young age.
Now a mum herself, she still lives in her home town while consulting with companies across the UK and in Europe.
Mrs Williams will provide guidance to the board at Llandarcy Park (Ospreys) Ltd on commercial matters, as well as mentoring commercial and marketing staff at the region, helping them towards delivering strong business results.
Ospreys chairman, Geoff Atherton, welcomed Debra to the organisation, and said her expertise will help the Ospreys achieve long-term sustainability.
The chairman said: "While we already have individuals on board with both business and rugby expertise, it is important to recognise that we do not hold all the answers, and as such, the appointment of Debra is a huge stride forward.
"She brings her undoubted commercial expertise to the organisation, along with an outstanding business track record, and has a big role to play as we move forward, offering strategic and tactical advice to the board."
Mrs Williams said: "I'm absolutely thrilled to be able to work with the Llandarcy Park (Ospreys) Ltd in an advisory role and am really excited about the challenges that lie ahead for the organisation.
"With my commercial experience and my record for generating growth, I believe that I can help the board in their efforts to make the business sustainable, which is crucial in trying economic times."
Pre-tax losses at Ospreys Rugby widened from 2011 to 2012.
The business is hoping to break even this year but is likely to make a small loss.
