Important update: changes to online applications - If you haven’t started or completed your application yet, please review the updated information to avoid any disruptions. Find out more

Giles Thorley

Giles joined the organisation in April 2016 with the objective of creating and launching a Development Bank for Wales. This was completed in October 2017 with the launch of DBW. Before this role, Giles was, for five years a partner at private equity firm TDR Capital LLP focusing on deal origination. Prior to this he spent nine years with Punch Taverns plc - the first year as Executive Chair, and then as Chief Executive following the IPO of the business.

He has held non-executive director roles with Esporta, Ducati SpA, Tragus Holdings, TUI Travel plc, Incorpro Ltd, D&D London and Matthew Clark Wholesale Ltd. Giles was Chair of ZipWorld plc for 5 years until the sale of the business in February 2025. 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.