Leadership Change at FinTech Wales

FinTech Wales has announced a significant change in its leadership with the resignation of its CEO, Sarah Williams-Gardener. Starting from January 2024, Williams-Gardener will assume the role of Chair, replacing Louise O’Shea.

New Role for Sarah Williams-Gardener

In her new capacity as Chair, Williams-Gardener is set to support the incoming CEO in shaping FinTech Wales’ strategic direction. She will also ensure the organization’s continued transparency and inclusivity. The move comes as the Welsh fintech ecosystem readies itself for a new chapter, focusing on attracting and supporting more fintech organizations to launch and scale their business in Wales.

Williams-Gardener’s Prior Experience

Before her stint as CEO of FinTech Wales, Williams-Gardener was a founding member of Starling Bank and spent 17 years at IBM. She also held an interim CEO role at charity Hope for Children and contributed significantly to the market, consumer insights and product design team at Fair 4 All Finance. In addition to her new role, she will continue as a trustee for Surviving Economic Abuse.

Achievements under Williams-Gardener’s Leadership

Under Williams-Gardener’s leadership, FinTech Wales saw substantial growth and success, with membership increasing by over 150%. The organization supported 22 startups through its accelerator program, The Foundry, securing over £20 million investment and creating over 150 highly skilled jobs. It also secured a £1.6 million investment from Cardiff Capital Region and was globally recognized as a hub of fintech excellence in the Kalifa Review.

Statement from Outgoing Chair, Louise O’Shea

Louise O’Shea, the outgoing Chair, expressed gratitude for Williams-Gardener’s contributions and leadership and applauded her decision to take on the new role.

Search for New CEO

Following Williams-Gardener’s transition, FinTech Wales will begin an extensive search for a new CEO, aiming for a seamless transition and continued success. The organization, launched in April 2019, champions the tech and financial services industry in Wales, working towards making it a world leader in the global fintech community.

Williams-Gardener on the Future of FinTech Wales

Williams-Gardener expressed her eagerness for the future of FinTech Wales, looking forward to welcoming a new CEO who will lead the organization into its next stage of growth.