NEXT Canada has appointed former Ryerson University president as its next CEO.
Levy will step down from his current role as Ontario’s Deputy Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Development, and oversee the organization’s Next 36, Next Founders, and NextAI flagship programs.
Levy has some experience in the entrepreneurial world, and is credited as a major driving force for the creation of Ryerson’s DMZ, which is recognized by UBI as the third best incubator globally.
“I’ve always believed that innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology are the future of the Canadian economy, and the best way to ensure prosperity for all Canadians,” said Levy. “NEXT Canada has the potential to become one of the most important entrepreneurial organizations in the country, and I’m excited to join to further expand on their impressive team and track record, and to continue with their mission of founder development.”
Levy will be taking over interim CEO Andrea Matheson’s role. Matheson took on the role after Razor Suleman resigned in October 2016, and joined former managing director Peter Carrescia as co-president. Carrescia left the organization a month later, and Matheson remained interim president.
Jacqui Allard, SVP and head of strategy, performance, and marketing for personal and commercial banking at RBC, and Catherine Lacavera, director of IP, litigation, and employment at Google, will be joining the NEXT Canada board of directors.
“We are thrilled that Sheldon is joining as CEO of NEXT Canada. Sheldon has the vision, the experience, and the credibility to dramatically enhance our ability to move the needle on Canadian prosperity in the years ahead,” said John Kelleher, NEXT Canada Co-Chair and McKinsey & Company partner. ”Our ambition has always been to be one of the top entrepreneurial development programs in the world, and with Sheldon at the helm we will achieve this goal.”
Photo via The Eyeopener
