Susana Galván joins as Taith Executive Director

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Susana Galván as our new Executive Director.

As Executive Director, Susana will be responsible for the strategy, delivery and overall performance of Taith, working with senior staff from Welsh Government and our target sectors to promote the interests and values of the programme across Wales and internationally.

Susana comes to Taith from the British Council, where she has held a number of managerial and leadership positions in different countries in East Asia, in Sub-Saharan Africa and in the UK.

Her last role was as Country Director, South Africa & Namibia and Regional Lead Equality, Diversity & Inclusion, Sub-Saharan Africa, as well as a member of their Regional Executive Team and of the British High Commission’s Leadership Board in South Africa.

Originally from Barcelona, Spain, and a dual British and Spanish national, Susana has devoted most of her academic and professional life to the learning of languages and working in the area of international cultural relations.

Susana studied in Barcelona and Leeds Universities, and later won scholarships to study at Beijing University, National Taiwan Normal University and Taipei University of Culture. She holds degrees in Translating and Interpreting and Modern Chinese Studies and is fluent in Mandarin, English, Spanish and Catalan.

In recent years and in her free time, Susana has become increasingly involved in the promotion of inclusive arts and arts education, working together with her husband, British violinist and conductor Sebastian See-Schierenberg.

Susana is Chair of Live4Music, a UK-registered charity she co-founded with her husband, which aims to engage and inspire young people through the delivery of concerts, music training and music education activities around the world.

Professor Rudolf Alleman, Pro Vice-Chancellor International and Student Recruitment and Head of the College of Physical Sciences and Engineering at Cardiff University and Chair of the Board of Directors of ILEP Ltd said:

“I am delighted that Susana will be taking up this important role. She has an impressive track-record of senior leadership and extensive experience and expertise in the field of international education, bringing a combination of clear strategic vision, collegiate leadership and genuine national and international influence. I am confident that she will excel in this role and look forward to welcoming her to the team.”