Ffrancon Williams embodies the very best qualities of a non-executive director: independence of thought, strategic insight, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to organisational success.
With praise such as this from Caulmert founder Mike Caulmert, it is perhaps no surprise that Ffrancon has been shortlisted in the Non-Executive Director category at the Institute of Directors (IoD) Wales Director of the Year Awards 2026.
The honour recognises individuals that have made a significant contribution to their organisation’s strategy, impacted on its financial success, demonstrated high ethical standards, and promoted the practice of good corporate governance.
In March 2024, Ffrancon was appointed to the Caulmert board as a non-executive director at a crucial and demanding stage in the consultancy’s development.
After two years of challenging trading conditions, the company sought strategic adjustment, cultural realignment, financial discipline, and renewed confidence.
With more than 20 years’ experience across a variety of sectors, including rail, housing, and manufacturing, Ffrancon provided clarity and composed authority alongside the board to shape a positive future.
Profit is projected to increase more than 300 per cent from last year, with turnover estimated to be in excess of £4 million.
Ffrancon has played his part by:
- Facilitating structured engagement with senior leaders to identify risks and opportunities, helping shape a clear strategy focused on profitability, operational discipline, and sustainable growth beyond the previous turnover plateau.
- Supporting improvements in financial reporting, enabling better performance oversight and earlier risk identification.
- Shifting board discussions toward forward-looking, evidence-based decision-making, while maintaining appropriate independence from operational management.
- Enabling operational improvements including tighter pricing, enhanced project review processes, and more targeted business development.
- Identifying sustainability as both a reputational and commercial opportunity, establishing a cross-disciplinary steering group that delivered initiatives such as environmental pledges and the organisation’s first Carbon Reduction Plan—strengthening culture, engagement, and market positioning.
- Maintaining strong visibility of performance through board processes and staff engagement, ensuring decisions were ethical, balanced, and aligned with long-term success.
Ffrancon, a former group chief executive of North Wales’ largest housing association Adra, said: “It is a real honour to have been shortlisted for non-executive director of the year at such prestigious awards.
“Needless to say, that whilst I am the person nominated, it has been a real team effort to get Caulmert to the point it is at today, and I am pleased to have played my part in the progress made.
“It is a really exciting time for us as a business. We have a fantastic, highly-skilled group and an increasingly varied pipeline of work across many sectors.”
The winner of the award will be revealed at the International Convention Centre Wales in Newport on Friday 8 May, with managing director Mike Caulfield hailing Ffrancon as a worthy potential victor.
He said: “Beyond numbers, his influence has been cultural and lasting. He has engaged with colleagues at all levels of the organisation, earning widespread respect through authenticity, humility, and genuine interest in people.
“He has led numerous senior operational sessions, constructively challenging thinking while empowering leaders to take responsibility for improvement initiatives. His presence has bolstered trust within the board and confidence across the business.
“Ffrancon’s influence has been significant, measurable, and lasting. He has helped reposition Caulmert as a more resilient, focused, and profitable organisation, demonstrating professionalism, wisdom, and integrity.
“Hopefully, he can cap his fine work by winning the award.”
