After nearly 20 years of representing and championing Wales’ technology industry, ESTnet is to adopt a new identity as Technology Connected.

The organisation will also welcome several new, high-profile additions to strengthen its board, including one of the founders of Newport-based GoCompare, Lee Griffin.

The new board members bring a wealth of experience in technology and business, joining the organisation from some of the UK’s biggest technology brands. The new board appointees are;

Lee Griffin, CEO of GoCompare, was of the founding members of the business, which has become one of the UK’s largest fintechs and a key figure in the rise of price comparison websites. In addition to his 20 years of experience in the financial and fintech industry, Lee is also the driving force behind GoCompare’s GoFurther Academy initiative, which has invested in a series of programmes to boost skills in data science and STEM in Wales.

Katy Chamberlain is the chief executive of Business in Focus which supports businesses in turning their ambition into reality. Katy spent more than 20 years with international accountancy and advisory firm KPMG, leading teams delivering a variety of services to businesses in Wales and is also the former chief executive of equality action organisation, Chwarae Teg.

Gareth Williams is VP secure communications and information systems for Thales UK, which sees him overseeing the communication systems and cyber security businesses of Thales in the UK. He has previously worked for General Dynamics, BAE Systems and Rolls Royce, with a career spanning various engineering, finance and operations roles. He is on the Cyber Management Committee of Tech UK and is a member of the RISC Council.

Technology Connected will be responsible for some of Wales’ largest technology events and initiatives including The Emerging Tech Fest, Wales Technology Awards, Factory of the Future programmes and the Cardiff University Year in Industry partnership.

Avril Lewis, managing director of Technology Connected, said: “This will be an exciting and important year for the Welsh technology industry, against a backdrop of global change.

“Having worked alongside our technology industry for nearly 20 years, we have seen the sector grow into a ubiquitous and influential industry which contributes greatly to the Welsh economy and is fundamental in enabling how we all live and work.

“We’re excited to continue to grow and evolve alongside our industry as we transition to Technology Connected and help to champion the impact of technology made in Wales both within the UK and around the world.

“In order to meet the challenges of the future, it’s crucial for our organisation to have the right people to help drive us forward. That is why I am also delighted to welcome Katy, Lee and Gareth to our board who bring with them a wealth of business knowledge and experience in some of the world’s most innovative technology businesses and enterprise support organisations.

“Working together we hope to help define our industry for a generation, ensuring that Wales is a country with technology at its very roots, and our collective work is recognised globally.”