Avril Lewis

Avril Lewis MBE is the Managing Director of Technology Connected, the collective voice of Wales' dynamic technology industry.

Since her appointment in 2012, Avril has played a pivotal role in elevating the organisation’s profile, uniting, promoting, and advocating for Welsh technology. Under her leadership, Technology Connected highlights Wales as a hub of expertise in enabling and emerging technologies, demonstrating their transformative applications for modern business and society.

A visionary leader, Avril spearheaded the launch of the Technology Connected Network in June 2024, an initiative that further strengthens the industry’s collaborative efforts. The Network connects professionals, industries, and technologies across the tech ecosystem, fostering innovation, business growth, and building a more prosperous and inclusive future for Welsh technology.

Avril is also the driving force behind several significant landmark initiatives, including Wales Tech Week, the largest international tech summit in Wales, which showcases the country’s technology and underscores the vital importance of technology adoption for innovation and economic growth. Additionally, she founded the prestigious Wales Technology Awards, celebrating achievements in the Welsh tech industry, and the Technology Leadership Council, a forum that brings together influential industry leaders to advocate for the sector.

Her leadership has also seen the establishment of specialised working groups within Technology Connected, such as the Blockchain Council, Photonics Council, and the Data & AI Council, which aim to advance the adoption and growth of cutting-edge technologies in Wales and beyond.

Prior to her current role, Avril’s early career was in professional services before she joined the semiconductor industry which saw her complete a successful management buyout (MBO) and ultimately the sale of a multinational business.

A long-standing champion for Welsh technology, she was recognized for her contribution with an MBE in 2018 for services to the technology industry in Wales.