TechWM shakes up board with new chairman and members

TechWM, a not-for-profit organisation driving tech innovation in the West Midlands, has announced a new chairman alongside the arrival of new board members.

Bringing over 40 years of collective industry experience, the appointments come as the organisation celebrates significant growth in revenue and ahead of the sixth annual Birmingham Tech Week.

Jason Sahota, a seasoned technology and business leader and private equity advisor, will be stepping up as chair of the TechWM board.

He carries an impressive portfolio of NED and advisory positions that focus on technology startups and scaleups in the West Midlands region.

Jason will replace Kim Leary, who remains on the board having been chair since 2020.

“There’s no doubting the opportunity that lies ahead for the region’s tech scene,” said Jason.

“Every year we go from strength to strength, and that’s largely down to the vision and strategic direction set by TechWM.

“Picking up the baton as chair is an incredible honour, and I cannot wait to get started in pushing towards our collective vision of being a recognised global tech superpower by 2030.”

Kim is a founding member of the board, having joined after the first Birmingham Tech Week.

“I stepped into the chair role at a time when Birmingham Tech Week was in its infancy because I truly believed in its purpose,” she added.

“That was nearly five years ago, and naturally, the time has come for me to step down as chair.

“However, I’ll remain a board member because that belief still burns strong, and I know there’s 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’m most proud of the role I’ve 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’m confident that the organisation will continue to thrive and make a significant impact in the years to come.”

TechWM’s new board members include vice chair Elizabeth Zeddie Lawal, an award-winning creative producer and founder of More Than A Moment; Joanna Birch, chief innovation officer at Woodbourne Group; and Daniel Campion, co-founder and CEO of infrastructure SaaS platform Sitenna.

Victoria Pargetter-Garner has also joined the team as director of digital skills and commercial impact.

The organisation now looks forward to driving the upcoming ‘One to Win’ pitch competition, which awards £1 million to the region’s most promising startup business, and launching a successful Birmingham Tech Week 2024.