Sarah Williams-Gardener / Fintech Wales
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Fintech Wales launches search for new CEO as Sarah Williams-Gardener becomes chair
The hunt is on for a new CEO to champion the growth of fintech in Wales
After leading Fintech Wales for the last three years, CEO Sarah Williams-Gardener will move to the role of chair in January 2024, replacing current chair Louise O’Shea.
Fintech Wales is a not-for-profit membership organisation for tech and financial services in Wales, working to shine a light on the fintech community across the country.
With Williams-Gardener as CEO Fintech Wales saw its membership grow by 150 per cent, it supported 22 startups through its Foundry accelerator programme who went on to raise over £20m in funding, and the group helped ensure Wales was recognised as part of the Kalifa Review among other achievements.
“Whilst sad that Louise has stepped down, I’m delighted that this has provided an opportunity for me to hand over the reins of FinTech Wales’ CEO whilst still being able to support and amplify the amazing things that Welsh fintechs and the FinTech Wales team are achieving,” Williams-Gardener said.
“My time at FinTech Wales has been truly phenomenal, and I’m delighted to still be able to play a part in such an important and poignant mission.”
Prior to joining Fintech Wales, Williams-Gardener was a founding employee of Starling Bank and before that spent 17 years at IBM.
In her new role as chair she will continue to support the new CEO of Fintech Wales — with a search for that person starting immediately — developing the group’s strategic direction and governance structure.
“We are now looking for someone to pick up the baton and work with the Board, Advisory Panel and team for the continued success and growth of our ecosystem in Wales, the UK and beyond.”
“This latest transition represents an exciting chapter in the FinTech Wales journey, and we look forward to welcoming a new CEO who will lead us into the future."
