CVCA Appoints Chief Executive Officer

TORONTO, Feb. 25, 2014 /CNW/ - Peter van der Velden, President of the CVCA- Canada's Venture Capital and Private Equity Association, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mike Woollatt as Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Woollatt is the first CEO of the CVCA and his appointment reflects the evolution of the association and the influence of the venture capital and private equity industry in Canada.

Mike Woollatt brings significant experience in a variety of capacities, including entrepreneurship, public affairs and economics. Prior to joining the CVCA, he co-founded Beaconsfield Group, a successful management consulting and public affairs firm. Mike has held senior executive roles at various major Canadian corporations, including Bell Canada, CTVglobemedia, and Canwest Global Communications. Before entering the private sector, Mike worked for the Government of Canada, both as an economist in the bureaucracy and as a political advisor at the Department of Finance. He has also worked overseas as an economist on international development projects. Mike has both a B.A. and M.A. in Economics from the University of British Columbia.

"I am delighted to welcome Mike to the CVCA. Mike's wide-ranging experience from Government to senior executive to entrepreneur will lend him well in his leadership role at the CVCA," said Peter van der Velden, President of the CVCA and Managing General Partner of Lumira Capital.

"I am excited about the opportunities ahead for the CVCA and I am honoured to be asked to lead the association through the next phase of its evolution. I also know that I inherit an organization that has made great strides for the venture capital and private equity industry in Canada and I look forward to building upon that momentum," said Mr. Woollatt.

With the transition of operational leadership of the CVCA to Mr. Woollatt, the Board of Directors of the CVCA would like to thank and acknowledge the many contributions of Richard Rémillard who served as the CVCA's Executive Director for 10 years.  "On behalf of myself and many past Presidents and Boards who had the pleasure or working with Richard, I would like to thank him for helping to make the organization what it is today," said Peter van der Velden.

The CVCA is the voice of Canada's venture capital and private equity industry.  The CVCA's members manage the vast majority of private capital that drives innovation and growth in Canadian businesses. The CVCA fosters professional development, networking, communication, research and education, and represents the venture capital and private equity industry in public policy matters. The CVCA was founded in 1974. www.cvca.ca

Image with caption: "CVCA's new CEO, Mike Woollatt (CNW Group/CVCA - Canada's Venture Capital & Private Equity Association)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140225_C7032_PHOTO_EN_37109.jpg

SOURCE: CVCA - Canada's Venture Capital & Private Equity Association

To arrange an interview with Peter van der Velden, President of the CVCA and Managing General Partner of Lumira Capital Corp, or Mike Woollatt, CVCA's new CEO, please contact Lauren Linton, Director of Marketing, [email protected].