• Swindon & Wiltshire Appointments
• Monday March 11 2024
• Author Name: Peter Davison

Western Gateway appoints fintech leader as new chairman

Western Gateway – the cross-border body representing a regional powerhouse that spans from Swindon in the east to Swansea in the west – has appointed Sarah Williams-Gardener as its new chairman.

Sarah was previously CEO of FinTech Wales and co-founding member of the innovative Starling Bank, which remains the first British bank to be founded by a woman.

Sarah replaces Katherine Bennett CBE, who stepped down at the end of her term in office in December 2023 having been chairman since 2019.

The Western Gateway partnership brings together business, academia and leaders from across South Wales and Western England to create growth and reach net zero.

To date, the partnership has spearheaded a vision for a better rail network for the area, created the UK’s first Hydrogen Ecosystem, brought in investment into nuclear, and launched an independent commission to explore the potential for a world-leading tidal project in the Severn Estuary.

Sarah said: “I am really excited to be able to take this opportunity of becoming chair of the Western Gateway. Collaboration is key to truly decarbonising and reaching those vital net zero targets.

“Our region is in a unique position due to its geography and rich industrial heritage, and has huge potential to deliver innovative communities, highly skilled workforce and world leading companies, not just regionally, but for the whole of the UK.

“A lot has already been achieved here, but there is still so much to do and together, I am ready to engage and work with the Governments in England and Wales to help drive efforts to reach net zero and create new jobs and economic growth.

“I’d like to thank the area’s business and political leaders with entrusting me with this vital role and look forward to working with them to achieve more for our communities.”

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