Professor Garel Rhys CBE (1940 – 2017)

It was with great sadness that Cardiff Business School received the news that Professor Garel Rhys CBE died aged 76 on Tuesday 21 February 2017.

Professor Rhys was widely regarded as one of the foremost motor industry economics expert, respected by colleagues, industry partners and journalists alike. He died just one week short of his 77^th birthday.

An Emeritus Professor of Motor Industry Economics and formerly Director for Automotive Industry Research at Cardiff University, Professor Rhys will be sadly missed for his warm humour, friendship and peerless knowledge. His contribution to the development of the field of motor industry economics in Wales, the UK, and globally, is significant. He leaves behind a legacy of academic excellence and research integrity.

Born and raised in the Swansea valley, Professor Rhys attended Ystalyfera Grammar School. He continued his education at University College, Swansea and subsequently the University of Birmingham.

He joined Cardiff University (University College of Wales, Cardiff as it was then) as a lecturer in economics in 1971 and remained with the University until 2005 when he became an Emeritus Professor and stalwart supporter and adviser.

Recognised internationally as an expert in his field, Professor Rhys remained active in 'retirement', continuing to share his knowledge and insights with industry partners, policymakers and media. He was Chairman of the Welsh Automotive Forum and an adviser to the Welsh Government on economic and automotive affairs.

Professor Rhys’ achievements and services to economic research in Wales were recognised when he was awarded an OBE (Order of the British Empire) in 1989, which was upgraded to a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in 2007.

The School sends its deepest sympathy and condolences to Professor Rhys’ widow, Mrs Mavis Rhys, to his three children, family, friends and former colleagues.