Futurpreneur Canada announces new chief experience officer
Charles Finley joins the organization in newly created strategic role to grow Futurpreneur’s impact supporting young entrepreneurs by enhancing its programs, revitalizing its platforms and improving the client experience
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TORONTO, CANADA – JANUARY 15, 2020 – Futurpreneur Canada is delighted to announce the appointment of Charles Finley as Chief Experience Officer (CXO). In this new cross-functional role, Finley will oversee programs, mentorship, technology, marketing and communications, helping to streamline the delivery of services to provide young entrepreneurs with the most beneficial Futurpreneur experience.
“I am excited to join Futurpreneur to support the creation of youth-led businesses across Canada,” said Finley. “With offices nationwide, Futurpreneur’s work with young entrepreneurs in cities and small towns alike provides a vital boost to the prosperity and resilience of Canadian communities from coast to coast to coast.”
An accomplished leader in both the private and non-profit sectors, Finley brings a diverse background to Futurpreneur. Throughout his career, he has worked at the intersection of design, technology, entrepreneurship and city-building, helping organizations such as MaRS Discovery District, Thomson Reuters, Critical Mass and, most recently, IBI Group grow and transform by building high-performing teams and delivering on strategic initiatives.
“I am thrilled to have Charles join our team to help us enhance our support for young entrepreneurs across Canada,” said Karen Greve Young, CEO, Futurpreneur Canada. “Charles’ strengths in strategy, program development, platform design and digital marketing, combined with his extensive experience building national and global digital organizations, will help us meet the evolving needs of diverse, young Canadian entrepreneurs whose companies will provide the jobs of the future.”
In his new role, Finley will help build upon Futurpreneur’s strong track record of supporting more than 12,000 young entrepreneurs in launching over 10,000 Canadian businesses since its inception. Of the businesses supported in 2019, 45% were majority led by women.
Finley co-founded Code for Canada, a national non-profit organization that connects governments with the civic tech community to foster the delivery of better digital public services. He remains the organization’s board chair, also serves on the boards of Open City Network, Jane’s Walk and We Count, and is the Vice-Chair of the Waterfront Toronto Digital Strategy Advisory Panel.
About Futurpreneur Canada
Futurpreneur Canada has been fueling the entrepreneurial passions of enterprising young Canadians since 1996. We’re the only national, non-profit organization that provides resources, financing and mentoring to aspiring business owners aged 18-39. Our internationally recognized mentoring program matches young entrepreneurs with a business expert from a network of over 3,000 volunteer mentors.
Futurpreneur is a founding member of the G20 Young Entrepreneurs’ Alliance, the Canadian member of Youth Business International, and the Canadian host of Global Entrepreneurship Week.
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