Moncton-based Propel ICT will begin its search for a new CEO to replace its current CEO Anita Punamiya, who announced that she will step down from her role at the end of the accelerator’s 2017 Spring Cohort.
Propel ICT said Punamiya, who took on the role of CEO in 2016, will remain on the organization’s board of directors.
“I believe leading an organization like Propel is like a relay team. Each leader takes the organization to a certain stage and then hands it over to the next leader.”
– Anita Punamiya
“Propel ICT has a strong history and I am proud to have been a part of it both as a board member and as the CEO,” said Punamiya. “From the perspective of a newcomer to Canada, I received tremendous value from being on the board, and the CEO role gave me an opportunity to give back to the organization. I am happy to say that I am leaving the organization stronger than it was when I took on the role.”
Steve Burns, chair of Propel ICT’s board, said the organization will take time to find Punamiya’s successor. In the meantime, Trevor MacAusland, an entrepreneur in residence at Propel ICT, will serve as interim CEO.
“I am very proud of the current team and confident that they will continue doing a great job,” said Punamiya. “I believe leading an organization like Propel is like a relay team. Each leader takes the organization to a certain stage, and then hands it over to the next leader. I have run my part and it’s time to hand over the baton.”
In January, Propel ICT announced the launch of its six-month Growth program, which is customized to meet the needs of companies in the growth stage. Also in January, the accelerator announced Amplify, a one-day event that aimed to help startups and business owners learn from global growth marketing experts.