THE WEST Midlands first Tech Commissioner has been appointed.
Martin Ward will spearhead an international network of West Midlands Global Tech Ambassadors who will be tasked with ensuring the region’s tech sector retains its position as the UK’s fastest growing, as it has proudly been for the past two years.
While in his two-year voluntary role Marting will act as an advocate for the West Midlands both nationally and internationally, encouraging big firms to establish a presence in the area and working closely alongside the West Midlands Mayor, Andy Street, to ensure the region’s digital and tech strategy delivers for everyone.
A specialist within the B2B technology sector, Martin boasts a 35-year career spanning both blue chip enterprises and start-ups. Previously educated at Imperial College, MIT, and University of Michigan, he has held executive positions across a variety of digital sectors including in sales, business development and innovation management.
On his appointment, Martin said: “I’m honuored to have been chosen to lead the West Midlands’ digital and tech sector going forward and want to do my upmost to support the region in realising its full potential.
“Digital adoption is accelerating and building a digitally connected economy and society has never been more important.
“I’m keen to get started by speaking with business leaders and entrepreneurs throughout the region to get an understanding of what they think and how we can further compete on the global stage.”
The role was created in partnership with Birmingham Tech, a not-for-profit community initiative which aims to raise the profile of the region’s tech scene.
Yiannis Maos, founder and chief executive of Birmingham Tech, said: “Last year Birmingham was named the ‘fastest growing tech sector in the UK’, which is great recognition of the collaborative work from across the region’s ecosystem, but we want to continue to evolve and grow.
“Martin’s appointment will give us that chance to continue to stride forward and enable tech businesses to scale up as the region becomes further regarded as a globally recognised tech hub.”
