Ken Poole MBE is the former Head of Economic Development at Cardiff Council, where he led the delivery of the Council’s economic strategy and drove sustainable growth across the city and wider region. He now works on a part-time basis, supporting the Council  on strategic assignments.

During his tenure, Ken played a leading role in attracting major inward investment to Cardiff, including securing Rolls-Royce Submarines, and worked closely with many of the city’s leading businesses to establish and grow their presence in the capital. He was also instrumental in delivering key regeneration initiatives as well as leading UK and international marketing activity to promote the city.

Ken’s career spans both the private and public sectors, with over half of his professional life spent in the private sector with PwC, followed by senior roles in local government with South Glamorgan Council and Cardiff Council. This breadth of experience has given him a deep understanding of public-private sector collaboration and the ability to align partners to deliver significant  outcomes.