Q&A: Meet the new additions to the WICT UK & Ireland Board

We’re delighted to welcome two new faces to the WICT UK & Ireland Board: Stela Florea, joining us as Events Co-Chair and Georgia Keegan-Wignall, stepping into the role of Next Gen Co‑Chair.

Together with the wider Board, they’ll help shape our chapter’s programming, partnerships, mentoring, and member engagement, supporting WICT’s mission to Inspire, Connect and Grow across the TMT industry.

We caught up with Stela and Georgia to learn more about their journeys, why WICT matters to them, and what they’re excited to build in 2026.

Aline Deglas: Welcome to the Board. Tell us, the WICT community, more about yourself.

Stela Florea: I’m a Corporate Finance Manager in Liberty Global’s Treasury team and joined the company in 2021 through the Finance Graduate Scheme, which really appealed to me because of its international scope and mobility. During the programme, I rotated across Procurement, Strategy & M&A, before landing my permanent role in Treasury.

What I enjoy most about Corporate Finance is the dynamic, project‑driven nature of the work, it’s fast‑paced, challenging, and keeps me energised. I’d describe myself as approachable, empathetic, and meticulous, and I try to bring those qualities into every project and relationship. Outside of work, I enjoy staying active, whether that’s lifting heavier weights or running longer distances. I’m excited to bring this energy to the WICT UK & Ireland Board.

Georgia Keegan-Wignal: I moved to London two years ago after completing my Master’s at the University of Nottingham and interning at a public investment fund in Muscat, Oman. I’m currently in my second rotation on the Liberty Global Finance Graduate Scheme, working as a Finance Business Partner for Commercial Strategy at Virgin Media O2.

My career so far has been driven by a strong curiosity about the future of the TMT industry and a desire to connect with the people shaping it. I’m really looking forward to getting started and supporting the WICT community in my role on the Board.

Why did you decide to join WICT — and what does its mission to Inspire, Connect and Grow mean to you?

Stela: I first came across WICT through LinkedIn and Liberty Global posts, but it was working closely with my colleague Valentina, who sits on the Board, that really motivated me to get involved.

As a woman working in Finance within the TMT industry, I’ve often experienced being one of very few women, or the only woman, in the room.To me, Inspire, Connect and Grow isn’t just a mission; it’s a necessity. WICT creates spaces where women can feel supported, build confidence, and step into roles they truly belong in.

Georgia: Moving to London to start my career made me realise just how vital a strong professional community is. For me, WICT provides exactly that, a space where women in our fast‑paced industry can find genuine support and connection.

The mission to Inspire, Connect and Grow really resonates. It’s about learning from visible role models, building relationships with peers and mentors, and using those connections to grow into future leaders. As Next Gen Co‑Chair, I’m especially passionate about helping early‑career women feel supported, confident, and empowered from the very start.

What do you hope to achieve in your first year on the WICT UKIE Board?

Georgia: My main focus for 2026 is to build on the fantastic work already done within the Next Gen community by creating a vibrant calendar of events that delivers tangible value to early‑career members.

I’m excited to spotlight inspiring Next Gen leaders and host sessions that help build the skills and confidence needed to progress. Ultimately, I want to create a programme where every Next Gen member has clear opportunities to learn, network and grow.

Stela: I’m especially passionate about creating open, honest conversations around women’s career journeys in TMT. One idea I’d love to bring to life is a panel featuring C‑suite or near‑C‑suite women, giving them space to share the realities behind progression — both the challenges and the turning points.

More broadly, I want to help create platforms that increase visibility, encourage professional growth, and broaden networks, particularly for women earlier in their careers who may not yet feel they have access to these conversations.

What excites you most about the TMT industry in 2026?

Georgia: 2026 is a pivotal moment for TMT, driven by the expansion of 5G and fibre, alongside innovations like satellite connectivity — for example, O2’s partnership with Starlink to tackle coverage black spots.

What excites me most is how we’re moving beyond hype into real‑world AI applications, particularly to enhance customer experience through more personalised services. I’m equally excited about the people driving these changes and the new career paths AI will unlock for the next generation entering the industry.

Stela: I’m fascinated by the accelerating pace of innovation, particularly the role AI and connectivity are playing in reshaping our world. Seeing the behind‑the‑scenes challenges of expansion projects, from power availability to local regulations, made it clear how closely infrastructure, technology, and innovation are linked. Building resilient digital ecosystems is something I’m deeply passionate about, and people across TMT play a crucial role in shaping that future.

What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve received?

Stela: The most impactful advice I’ve received was: “Until 35, focus on learning and knowledge rather than money. After that, focus on the strategic moves that take you where you want to go.”

It helped me think long‑term, be intentional about the opportunities I pursue, and stay focused on building the right foundations early in my career.

Georgia: The best advice I’ve been given is to stop waiting until you’re 100% ready. Early on, I thought I had to tick every box before raising my hand, but that only holds you back.

Saying yes to opportunities that both excited and scared me, including joining the WICT Board, has been the single biggest driver of my growth. Real development happens outside your comfort zone, and it’s a mindset I hope to champion for all our Next Gen members.