Leanne Connor - Wales Strategic Lead, Thales UK Ltd
Leanne joined Thales in January 2019 as Business Manager for the National Digital Exploitation Centre (NDEC) in South East Wales, becoming the first local hire in the region. With 26 years’ experience in local government—primarily in economic development and regeneration—she brings deep expertise and a strong commitment to sustainable growth.
Her career began in human resources, where she earned a CIPD-accredited postgraduate qualification. She later completed postgraduate studies in Regional and Local Economic Development at the University of Sheffield. Leanne played a pivotal role in the transformation of the former Ebbw Vale Steelworks site, now home to the Thales Wales Campus.
At Thales, she has led the establishment and growth of the company’s cyber-resilience capability in Ebbw Vale. She is proud of the team’s work to help Thales grow and thrive in Wales, create opportunities for the next generation, and maximise the company’s contribution to local prosperity and economic progress.
Leanne Connor - Wales Strategic Lead, Thales UK Ltd