Technology Connected Board
Our board is led by key figures from some of the world’s most impactful technology businesses and innovative Welsh firms.
They are also members of the Technology Leadership Council.
Avril Lewis MBE – Managing Director, Technology Connected
Avril was appointed Managing Director of Technology Connected, formerly the ESTnet, in May 2012.
Her background is in the semiconductor industry, and she was awarded the MBE for services to the technology industry in Wales in 2018. Avril is an influential and energetic leader with highly developed communication and interpersonal skills and thrives as a catalyst for change.
Chris Meadows – Director, CSconnected
Chris’ career in electronics and semiconductors started at British Telecom Research Laboratories before joining a new joint venture between BT and US based DuPont in 1986.
Chris was part of the founding team at Epitaxial Products International Ltd (EPI) in Cardiff in 1988 which became IQE plc in 1999 following a successful IPO.
With a background in science and engineering, Chris also holds an MBA and has held several senior management positions within the semiconductor industry, in particular with the IQE Group before establishing CSconnected, representing the world’s first compound semiconductor cluster that is rapidly evolving across South Wales and the West of England.
Christian Coates – Managing Director & Co-Founder, Method4
Christian is the Managing Director and co-founder of Method4 Ltd, a software house and technology consultancy in Cardiff, established in 2005. Method4 provides bespoke software and integration services. Previously, Christian was a principal consultant at Atkins (Management Consultants), working with clients like GlaxoSmithKline, Camelot, the Food Standards Agency, Welsh Government, and the WDA. Earlier, he was a Systems Analyst at Endsleigh Insurance. Christian holds a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems from the University of Liverpool and is a Chartered IT Professional (CITP) and Chartered Engineer (CEng) through the British Computer Society.
Julie Fazackerley – Chief Executive Officer, MicroLink Devices UK
Julie currently serves as CEO of MicroLink Devices UK Ltd and joined the company in February 2022. Julie has extensive knowledge in Technology Management and has a strong background in defence and military aircraft from her time working within the production and manufacturing areas at BAE Systems. Previous roles have included leading the R&D programme for PHASA-35 solar-powered HALE aircraft and leading the acceptance and trading of Typhoon and Hawk aircraft into export customers in the Middle East.
Liz Jones – Senior Partner for Wales, Deloitte
Liz specialises in IT transformation programs for public sector organisations, particularly in Wales. With experience working at CEO and Corporate Director levels, she assists organisations in scoping and designing technology transformation programs, guiding them through implementation stages. Liz excels at simplifying complex concepts and supporting senior leaders in organisational change decisions. She demonstrates delivery skills across all stages of program implementation, from inception to benefits realisation, and is skilled at turning around complex technology programs. Her clients span various sectors including Defence, Local Government, Police, Health, Education, and Government-funded bodies.
Nia Davies – Managing Director, Davlec
Nia has been running her family business since 2002. She diversified the company’s portfolio from agro-electronics to include catering equipment, Hi-Fi, healthcare electronics, and expanded its automotive client base. Davlec innovates in Dairy Farming electronics, supplying products to UK-based firms and exporting globally.
In 2014, Nia acquired Leema Electro Acoustics, a high-end Hi-Fi company, and revitalised the brand, earning numerous awards and accolades. She also serves as Managing Director of Leema. Her expertise in the Hi-Fi industry led to her appointment as Director of Mitchell and Johnson Electronics, another British-owned Hi-Fi company, where she works on increasing market recognition.
Nicola McNeely – Head of Technology Sector, Solicitor & Partner, HCR Law
Whilst working with entrepreneurial and innovative people in Wales and across the UK, especially in advanced manufacturing and technology businesses, Nicola’s focus is on working closely with clients to solve their problems and really understand how their businesses work.
Nicola has worked on secondment to the Royal Mint at Llantrisant, focusing on new business and intellectual property, but also for clients in a range of sectors on software outsourcing agreements, blockchain solutions and EMI schemes. Giving businesses the right legal infrastructure to enable them to develop and grow is important to Nicola and therefore Nicola has found her non-executive director role with Business in Focus, supporting Welsh businesses, fascinating.
Paul Evans – Chief Executive Officer, Box UK
Paul Evans has over 20 years’ experience working across consultancy, transformation, and strategic stakeholder engagement. He has been an integral part of the Box UK leadership team for over four years during which he has developed a deep understanding of, and contributed to, the company’s culture, operations, and growth. As CEO, Paul spearheads Box UK’s strategic initiatives and leads the organisation in achieving its goals. Previously of Accenture, KPMG and Sapiens, Evans has a proven track record in developing strategy, driving delivery, promoting innovation, and fostering strong client relationships.
Prof. Rob Rolley – Knowledge Transfer Adviser for Wales, Innovate UK KTN
As an ex Industrial executive and technical specialist, Rob has many years of experience gained from delivering complex systems of systems in the Telecommunications, Defence, Cyber and Security industries.
He chairs the Industrial Advisory board at Cardiff University and is a board director of Technology Connected, helping to promote Technology, skills, and manufacturing in Wales.