PLANED, the Pembrokeshire-based community development charity, is delighted to announce the appointment of Cris Tomos as its new Chief Executive Officer.

Cris has worked for PLANED for over ten years, joining the organisation as a member of staff after first serving on its board of trustees. He brings more than 30 years of experience working within the third sector to the role, having been closely involved in community development and social enterprise-led initiatives across Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire.

As Chief Executive, Cris will lead PLANED's work supporting local people, social businesses and organisations to build stronger, more sustainable communities, and looks forward to developing the charity's work through further community and cooperative initiatives.

Speaking on his appointment, Cris Tomos said:“I'm delighted and honoured to take on the role of Chief Executive at PLANED. I'm really looking forward to continuing to work alongside our brilliant staff team, our trustees, and the many partners who work with us across West Wales and beyond, as we build on PLANED's work and develop new community and social projects together.”

Tony Baron, Chair of trustees at PLANED, added:“On behalf of the board of trustees, I am delighted to welcome Cris into the role of permanent Chief Executive. His knowledge of PLANED, combined with over 30 years' experience in the third sector, make him ideally placed to lead the organisation into its next chapter. I wish Cris every success as PLANED's new CEO.”

For many years, PLANED focused solely on Pembrokeshire based activities and projects, supporting numerous communities and organisations during this time.

However, it became clear that a full delivery refresh was needed to support organisational sustainability and purpose. In this vein, with new leadership and skills, PLANED has, (accelerated post COVID), and is now extended to become a more sustainable, relevant, and impactful regional community development charity.