THE Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority has named 41-year old Tegryn Jones as its newly-appointed chief executive to replace long-serving Nic Wheeler next year.

Mr. Jones, a native of Lampeter and a fluent Welsh speaker, joins the Park Authority from his position of chief executive of Keep Wales Tidy.

Mr Jones will succeed Nic Wheeler, heading a team of over 130 staff and leading an organisation charged with conserving and enhancing the special qualities of the National Park and providing opportunities for people to access and enjoy it.

Speaking of his new role, Mr Jones said: "This is one of the most exciting, important and challenging conservation roles in Wales and I'm really looking forward to being able to play a significant part in the development of the Park Authority and enhancing the Park's contribution to Pembrokeshire and Wales through the family of Welsh Parks.

"The role of the authority continues to expand, with an increased emphasis on the social and economic needs of Park communities in delivering its purposes. The authority has also become an exemplar in the delivery of climate change initiatives, helping the Welsh Assembly Government in this important work. I am extremely keen to further the authority's contribution in these areas, as well as ensuring work continues in delivering core Park purposes."

Chairman of the authority, Richard Howells, welcomed the appointment: "Tegryn joins us with an excellent track record and experience within the conservation sector having led Keep Wales Tidy through a period of devolvement from the UK-wide Tidy Britain Group to an independent organisation that has seen significant growth during his time at the helm.

"I am confident that Tegryn has the vision, qualities and leadership skills to guide the authority into the future, meeting both the challenges and opportunities facing Park Authorities with enthusiasm and commitment."

Mr. Jones joined Keep Wales Tidy in 2004, having moved from a senior policy post at the General Teaching Council for Wales. He was formerly deputy director and education officer of an educational activity centre run by the Urdd Gobaith Cymru movement in the Snowdonia National Park.

He currently lives in the St. Fagans area of Cardiff, has a passion for the countryside and looks forward to enjoying the vast recreational opportunities offered by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, including walking stretches of the 186-mile Coast Path National Trail.

Mr. Jones will join the authority in February 2010 for a handover period before the retirement at the end of April of Nic Wheeler, the longest serving chief executive within the family of UK National Parks.