Urdd Gobaith Cymru has appointed Ffion Gruffudd as Director of Youth and Community.
Gruffudd previously served as Head of Cardiff Bilingual at Cardiff Council and will join the organisation’s Senior Management Team, leading a department of nearly 40 officers across Wales.
Her responsibilities will include overseeing the national development of youth and community programmes reaching thousands of young people.
Gruffudd has more than 20 years of experience in Welsh-language development in Cardiff.
Gruffudd comes from a farming family in Ceredigion and is a member of the second phase of the Welsh Communities Commission.
The commission is considering the future of Welsh in areas with lower densities of Welsh speakers, as well as its role in other communities.
Gruffudd has identified the continued vitality of the Welsh language as a priority in her work.
She said the appointment represented a significant stage in her career and that Urdd Gobaith Cymru had supported children and young people across Wales over successive generations.
Gruffudd plans to work with employees, volunteers, members and partners to build on the organisation’s existing achievements and expand the benefits available to young people.
Urdd Gobaith Cymru Chief Executive Siân Lewis welcomed the appointment, stating that Gruffudd’s experience and leadership would support the organisation’s work across Wales.