TechWM, the regional business body for the technology industry, has announced the appointment of a new chairman and additional board members amidst significant growth and ahead of the sixth annual Birmingham Tech Week in October.
Birmingham-based TechWM has expanded its senior team, welcoming seasoned technology and business leader Jason Sahota as the new chairman. Sahota brings over 20 years of experience, including advisory roles focusing on technology start-ups and scale-ups in the West Midlands.
Kim Leary, who has served as chairwoman since 2020, will remain on the board. Leary, a founding member of TechWM, reflected on her tenure, stating, “I stepped into the chair role at a time when Birmingham Tech Week was in its infancy because I truly believed in its purpose. That was nearly five years ago and, naturally, the time has come for me to step down as chair. However, I will remain a board member because that belief still burns strong and I know there is more to do. TechWM has achieved so many successes and has become a vital part of the tech ecosystem here in the West Midlands. However, personally speaking, I am most proud of the role I have played in transitioning the board from being very operational to the diverse and strategic force it is now. We have a wonderful team in place and I am confident that the organisation will continue to thrive and make a significant impact in the years to come.”
TechWM has also welcomed new board members including Elizabeth Zeddie Lawal, vice-chairwoman and founder of creative agency More Than A Moment, as well as Joanna Birch, chief innovation officer with property investor Woodbourne, and Daniel Campion, chief executive of software firm Sitenna. These additions collectively bring over 40 years of industry experience spanning sectors such as telecoms, mergers and acquisitions, and cultural industries.
This expansion coincides with a 78 per cent revenue growth for TechWM in the year leading up to July 2024. Additionally, Victoria Pargetter-Garner, the new director of digital skills and commercial impact, will be joining TechWM from the University of Birmingham.
The enhanced board at TechWM, equipped with extensive experience and strategic acumen, is well-positioned to drive the organisation’s continued success and impact within the West Midlands tech ecosystem.