Remembering Gareth Pierce, WJEC’s former Chief Executive

It is with great sadness that we learnt yesterday of the passing of Gareth Pierce, our former Chief Executive.

Gareth made a huge contribution to WJEC during his 14 years as our Chief Executive and was dedicated to serving the education community in Wales, and across the UK. Passionate about teaching and learning, those who worked with him felt great admiration for his knowledge, understanding and commitment to education.

Having led our organisation through a period of significant change; including qualification reform in Wales and in England, Gareth was at the forefront of WJEC's continued growth and at the very heart of qualification development in Wales.

Commenting, Ian Morgan, Chief Executive, WJEC, said:

‘I had the privilege of working with Gareth for many years and was constantly amazed by his intellect and his ability to quickly assimilate information.’

‘Along with his willingness to listen, always with an open mind, his influence on me and many others was significant. Gareth was committed to WJEC and I am humbled to have known him and to be leading the organisation to which he gave so much.

‘My heartfelt sympathy goes to Gareth’s family who I know he adored so much,’ he added.

An inspiration in all that he did, Gareth helped build a firm foundation for WJEC for the future, and he will be greatly missed by us all. Our deepest condolences go out to Gareth’s wife, Lynwen, and his two sons, Gwyn and Siôn.