Member Article

Two new board members appointed to Manchester Digital

Trade body Manchester Digital has announced two new board members - Rachel Tsang and Ben Davies. These additions to the board further strengthens Manchester Digital’s commitment to supporting its members and driving growth within our region’s digital and tech community. The two new board members were nominated and voted in during Manchester Digital’s Annual General Meeting on June 22.

Alison Ross, chair of Manchester Digital’s board and chief people and operations director at Auto Trader, said: “Both Rachel and Ben bring with them very strong skill sets and multiple strengths to complement our existing board members, so we’re very pleased to welcome them to the board. They’re both very committed to supporting and growing our tech and digital eco-system at a very exciting time for the tech industry. They will also give invaluable support to our wide programme of events and initiatives to grow diversity and inclusion within the tech industry, as well as shaping and influencing policy.”

Rachel Tsang is currently deputy director for Digital Identity at the Government Digital Service, responsible for live service operations. Prior to this, Rachel was a deputy director for GOV.UK at GDS, enabling support on a range of critical national priorities including Covid-19, and Brexit. Rachel has held a number of digital, programme delivery, policy and strategy roles across government including HM Treasury, Department for Education, Ministry of Justice and Department for Work and Pensions and her wide-ranging experience in policy, research and digital will be invaluable in her work with Manchester Digital.

Ben Davies, group marketing director at award-winning tech and life sciences-focused VC Praetura Ventures, will add a valuable perspective to the board with his extensive experience in the funding space. Ben oversees all aspects of Praetura’s marketing output and strategy, whilst also working closely with their portfolio companies.

Rachel said: “Manchester Digital plays a huge role in connecting different organisations, championing digital skills and tackling barriers to inclusion. As the sector continues to grow in the region, so does Manchester Digital’s significance and impact in these areas. Manchester Digital is a positive force for good and with so much growth and potential in Manchester, so it’s a privilege to join the board at this time.”

Ben said: “I’ve admired Manchester Digital for a long time and supported the team with events in a previous role. Having worked with similar organisations, Manchester Digital’s reputation within the public and private sector has always been exceptional and I’m looking forward to being part of the story. We want to support more Manchester breakout success stories and continue to bring the ecosystem together.”

Rachel and Ben join the following existing board members:

• Alison Ross, Auto Trader (chair) • Tom Amies-Cull, Dentsu Aegis (vice chair) • Katie Gallagher, Manchester Digital (managing director) • Shaun Fensom (secretary) • Hilary Stephenson, Nexer Digital • Paul Bason, Manchester Metropolitan University • James Wilkinson, Zuto

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Carolyn Hughes .