My Thanks to a Leader Who Has Helped Shape Welsh Tech

Written by: Sarah Williams-Gardener, Chair, FinTech Wales

This article was originally shared by Sarah Williams-Gardener in Business News Wales.

Avril Lewis MBE, one of Wales’ most prominent and vocal advocates for the technology sector, has stepped down from her role as Managing Director of Technology Connected, an organisation she founded 17 years ago.

In October, the Welsh Government announced the dissolution of Industry Wales, a body tasked with advising the government on economic policy across sectors. Industry Wales oversaw several sector forums, including Technology Connected, Aerospace Wales, the Welsh Automotive Forum, and Net Zero Industry Wales. As a result, Technology Connected ceased operations on 31 March.

As Chair of FinTech Wales, and having worked closely with Avril in recent years, I want to acknowledge her extraordinary achievements and unwavering determination in building a powerful force for good in Wales.

Technology Connected, formerly ESTnet, played a pivotal role in raising the profile of Welsh technology and manufacturing over the past 25 years. Its mission was to connect, champion and promote Welsh tech companies — a mission Avril and her team delivered with impact.

One of Technology Connected’s flagship initiatives was Wales Tech Week, a celebration of technology and innovation in Wales. Spanning sectors from high-value manufacturing to blockchain and artificial intelligence, the event became a global showcase for Welsh innovation. In 2025 alone, it attracted more than 4,000 attendees from 50 countries. Alongside it, the Wales Technology Awards became a key moment in the calendar, recognising excellence across the sector.

When I was appointed as FinTech Wales’ first CEO in 2020, Avril was one of the first to reach out. I am deeply grateful for her welcome and for the collaborative spirit she fostered between our organisations. She saw FinTech Wales not as a rival, but as a partner — united in supporting members and strengthening Wales’ technology ecosystem.

Avril also stood out as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry — first in the semiconductor sector and later through her leadership at ESTnet and Technology Connected. With her technical expertise and determination, she carved out a space for herself while championing greater gender parity.

As she shared her farewell on LinkedIn, the Welsh tech community responded in large numbers, recognising her dedication, hard work and the partnerships she built over nearly two decades.

I, like many others, will be watching closely to see what she does next. Knowing Avril, her future contributions will be just as impactful.

By writing this, I simply want to say thank you. Avril, your vision, spirit and drive have left a lasting legacy. Wales’ tech future is stronger because of you.