Meet the Technology Connected Team

Avril Lewis MBE, Managing Director
Avril Lewis MBE is the Managing Director of Technology Connected, the collective voice of Wales’ technology industry. Since her appointment in 2012, Avril has elevated the organisation’s profile, promoting Welsh technology globally and positioning Wales as a hub for emerging and enabling technologies.
Avril is the driving force behind Wales Tech Week, the country’s largest international tech summit, and the Wales Technology Awards, which celebrates innovation in the industry. She established the Technology Leadership Council to bring together industry leaders in shaping the future of tech in Wales and launched the Technology Connected Network in June 2024 to foster collaboration and growth within the whole tech ecosystem.
With early experience in professional services, followed by a successful career in the semiconductor industry, completing an MBO and ultimately the sale of a multinational business, Avril has long been a champion for Welsh technology.
Additionally, Avril has founded working groups including the Technology Connected Blockchain, Photonics, and Data & AI Councils to promote the adoption of emerging technologies. In recognition of her contributions, she was awarded an MBE in 2018 for her services to the technology industry in Wales.
Connect with Avril on LinkedIn
Anna Simmonds, Head of Engagement & Delivery
With over a decade of marketing experience, as well as four years in the blockchain space, Anna is passionate about technology of all kinds and driving connection. Her background includes both in-house and agency roles which has seen her working on a variety of projects in finance, law, apps, gaming, and more.
At Technology Connected, Anna’s role will help our members and the Welsh technology community as a whole connect, collaborate, and thrive both locally and on the global stage.
Connect with Anna on LinkedIn
Steph Stephens, Marketing & Communications Manager
Steph heads up the marketing activities at Technology Connected. With over 15 years of experience in the field, she’s had the privilege of running her own marketing business, collaborating with clients from a diverse range of industries. Before this, she worked in marketing at a well-known insurance group, Microsoft Partner, law firm and a leading recruitment agency.
Her passion for technology fuels her excitement about the potential of the industry in Wales. She is dedicated to uniting and championing the tech community.
Fun fact – Steph is (distantly) related to Lady Godiva and Michael Schumacher
Connect with Steph on LinkedIn
Karina Lear, Technology Community Coordinator
Karina has spent a substantial number of years running events for membership organisations within the charity sector. She will be using these skills to develop our membership community, processes, and events. Alongside this work, she will also be assisting throughout all of Technology Connected’s major projects and events, such as Wales Tech Week.
Connect with Karina on LinkedIn