Goronwy Daniel

Sir Goronwy Hopkin Daniel KCVO (21 March 1914 – 17 January 2003) was a Welsh academic and civil servant.

Born in Ystradgynlais, Brecknockshire, Wales, he pursued his early education at Pontardawe Grammar School and Amman Valley County School. He attended the University of Wales, Aberystwyth, where he earned a first-class degree. He continued his academic studies at Jesus College, Oxford, obtaining a Doctor of Philosophy (D.Phil.).

In 1940, Daniel married Valerie, the daughter of Richard Lloyd George. The couple had three children, comprising one son and two daughters.

Daniel entered the civil service in 1943. His career advanced to the position of Chief Statistician in the Ministry of Fuel and Power. He subsequently served as the Permanent Under-Secretary at the Welsh Office upon its establishment in 1964.

In 1969, Daniel returned to academia as the Principal of the University College of Wales at Aberystwyth. That same year, he was conferred a knighthood, subsequently titled as Sir Goronwy Hopkin Daniel. He held the position of Principal for ten years.

In 1977, he was appointed a Lieutenant of Dyfed. In 1982, Daniel was designated Chairman of the Welsh Fourth Channel Authority, having been a key contributor to its creation.

Throughout his career, he held notable offices including Principal of the University College of Wales and Chairman of the Welsh Fourth Channel Authority.