Welsh technology firm de Novo Solutions has appointed Lynette Slater as its new chief executive, while founder Mark Sweeny has taken on the role of executive chairman.
Sweeny, a serial entrepreneur and part of BusinessCloud’s 2026 Founder 250 list, has grown de Novo Solutions to a team of 150 and into the fastest-growing tech firm in Wales.
Slater, who has more than 30 years of experience within insurance, financial services and software organisations, has previously worked at Logicwave, ICE InsureTech and Allianz.
She said: “I am delighted to be joining de Novo, and proud to have the opportunity to lead a company with such strong foundations. What has made de Novo successful is the expertise and commitment of its people. Together, we can build on what is already working and take the business into its next stage with confidence.
“We will build on the foundations created by Mark, the senior leadership team, and every person across de Novo, ensuring strong support for our teams, clear ways of working, and consistently better outcomes for clients.
“I am looking forward to getting to know the team, our clients, and our strategic partners over the coming weeks, and helping elevate de Novo to the next level of success.”
Sweeny, who previously sold Certus Solutions to Accenture, said it was time to pass the baton on but insisted he wouldn’t be ‘walking off into the sunset away from de Novo Solutions’ just yet.
He said: “You don’t become the fastest growing tech business in Wales without sacrifice.
“Our so-called ‘overnight’ success has taken five years of hard graft by a wonderful team, many of whom were prepared to follow me personally on another adventure.
“What is now happening is a natural evolution and, on reflection, something that has to happen.
“Different stages of a company’s evolution call for different types of leadership, and de Novo is no exception.
“For me, my journey as group chief executive has naturally reached its conclusion, and my focus will now move towards a broader strategic role as executive chairman. In doing so, I will take over from my long-term business partner, Tim Warner, who will remain a non-executive director of the company.
Sadness
“However, I would not be honest if I did not admit to a sense of sadness at this moment. I have been honoured and privileged to serve as chief executive of two great companies in Certus and de Novo, and I have enjoyed every minute of it.
“In fact, I have learned more about myself over the past five years than at any other time in my long career. I can honestly say that I have operated at the very best of my capabilities – de Novo really did bring out the very best in me.
“Becoming executive chairman now brings new opportunities for me personally as we continue to build and grow de Novo.
“I have been lucky enough to know Lynette Slater, our incoming chief executive, for more than 30 years, and I cannot think of anyone more capable of taking the top seat at de Novo.
“We have already had a good laugh about the fact that neither of us ever saw this coming. Lynette will also lead a predominantly female executive team, something that remains rare in our sector and something that reflects the strength of talent we have at senior level across the company.
“This is about merit, capability and opportunity. It is a testament to those individuals who seized the opportunities presented to them and made them their own.
“As a result, we now have another wonderful opportunity to write the next chapter of our great Welsh business — and I know there is so much more to come.”