We Are Wakefield, the district’s leading business support organisation, is proud to announce the appointment of Sylvie Giangolini, UK Managing Director of Hako Machines Ltd, as its new Chair. Sylvie succeeds Sir Rodney Walker, who steps down as Chair after three transformative years, having joined the organisation in 2022. Sir Rodney will continue to lend his invaluable guidance as President.
Under Sir Rodney’s stewardship, WAW has grown from a struggling network of just eight members into a vibrant, collaborative community supporting nearly 200 local businesses and organisations. His unwavering support and strategic insight have been instrumental in shaping WAW into the powerhouse it is today. Sir Rodney said of his time as Chair: “When I was first asked by Claire to assist in stabilising & the development of We are Wakefield I was impressed with both her ambition & enthusiasm. In truth, apart from offering support & guidance the progress of the organisation is wholly down to the work of Claire. I am pleased to have helped & hand the chair responsibility to Sylvie who has impressed with her contribution in the short time since her appointment to the board.”
Sylvie Giangolini joined WAW as a member in September 2024 and was swiftly invited onto the Board in recognition of her exceptional leadership and commitment to local collaboration. Her passion for community-driven growth and her alignment with WAW’s values made her the unanimous choice to take on the role of Chair. Sylvie added: “I’m honoured to be elected Chair and pick up the great work started by Sir Rodney, Claire and the wider Board. Joining WAW has been transformative for our business, shaping new, innovative and powerful business collaborations which has strengthened what we can in turn provide our customer base. As the Chair of WAW, I want to ensure that all businesses in the WF region understand and capitalise on the huge benefit that joining WAW can do for their business, however big or small you are, just 2 hours a month networking can change how you manage supply chains and do great business in our local community.”
Clare Thornton of Thornton Jones Solicitors, who has served on the Board since 2022, will remain a Board member and has stepped down as Vice Chair. Clare played a pivotal role in supporting WAW Managing Director Claire Sutherley in revitalising the organisation, helping transform it into a thriving hub for business, education, culture, and the VCSE sector.
Helen McDonald, Managing Director of Solupak and a Board member since 2022, has been appointed Vice Chair. As a sustainability champion and local business leader, Helen’s hands-on approach and extensive experience will be invaluable as WAW navigates its next phase of growth. Solupak has proudly served as an Ambassador member for three years, and Helen’s contributions have been vital to WAW’s mission. Helen said of her appointment: “I’m honoured to take on the role of Vice Chair at such an exciting time for We Are Wakefield. Having seen first-hand how the organisation has transformed into a thriving and supportive network, I’m passionate about continuing to strengthen those connections across our district. Collaboration is at the heart of what makes Wakefield such a vibrant place to do business, and I look forward to working with Sylvie, Claire, and the Board to build on the fantastic foundations already in place.”
“I am thrilled to see our Board’s leadership evolve and strengthen,” said Claire Sutherley, Managing Director of We Are Wakefield. “With Sylvie at the helm and Helen as Vice Chair, supported by such dedicated board members, we are poised to provide an even more solid support system for our members and continue driving real impact across our community.”
We Are Wakefield’s impact on the local economy is profound. By facilitating collaboration between businesses, local authorities, education providers, cultural organisations, and the voluntary sector, WAW acts as a catalyst for innovation, resilience, and growth across the district. The organisation’s inclusive approach and unwavering commitment to community values ensure that Wakefield continues to thrive as a place to live, work, and grow.