Before joining the Development Bank of Wales, Giles was a partner at private equity firm TDR Capital LLP focusing on deal origination activities. Prior to this he spent nine years with Punch Taverns plc -- the first year as chair, and then as chief executive following the IPO of the business.

Previously he served as the chief executive of Unique Pub Company. Giles was also a founding member of the Principal Finance Group at Nomura International plc.
He has held non-executive director roles with Esporta, Ducati SpA, Tragus Holdings, TUI Travel plc, Incorpro Ltd and Matthew Clark Wholesale Ltd. Giles is currently Chair of ZipWorld plc. He also acts as consultant/angel investor on a number of business start-ups; and is a long-serving trustee with the Rona Sailing Project.
Giles holds a law degree from the University of London and qualified as a barrister in 1990. He is a member of the Bar Council of England & Wales.