Peter Buffoni, of Gatenby Sanderson, is a recruiter with specialism in public sector and non-executive appointments. He will explain a head-hunters role in openly advertised public appointments, factors that successful candidates have in common and tips for presenting yourself in the best light.

Alison Thorne

Alison’s perspective in this session will draw upon her experience of being on the Public Appointments Wales panels.

Alison has developed a non-executive career and has recently been appointed as Chair of National Dance Company Wales. Her other current roles include Governor of Cardiff Metropolitan University; an Independent Panel Member of the Welsh Government’s Public Appointments service; and a Board Member of Sport Wales. Until 2021, she was Chair of the leading equality charity Chwarae Teg and a trustee for six years.

Alison previously held executive board and leadership positions at Otto UK, George at Asda, Mothercare, Lego Retail, and Kingfisher with B&Q. Following 2 years as a partner in a boutique executive search company, Alison set up ‘atconnect’ an executive search and people development company in 2010 which includes mentoring individuals at transition points in their careers.

Alison is based in Cardiff and is the Women on Boards Lead for Wales. She delivers Women on Boards’ CV Masterclass and our ‘Becoming an Effective Chair’ programme, as well as providing 1-on-1 Board CV reviews and mentoring across non-executive and executive careers.