The Greater Peterborough Innovation Cluster has announced its President & CEO position will be filled by current Interim President and CEO Michael Skinner.
“We are pleased to have Michael assume the role of CEO for our organization,” says Innovation Cluster Board Chair John Desbiens. “His past experience building successful companies will be an asset as the Innovation Cluster continues with its exciting growth and development.”
Desbiens announced Skinner’s appointment following an interview process where applications were received from interested and qualified professionals across the country. A selection committee consisting of Innovation Cluster Board Members and other community stakeholders reviewed the applications and chose Skinner as the successful candidate.
Skinner is known for his years of business development and operational experience both locally and internationally. In 2001, Skinner founded Opritel Corporation, a learning software development company that he expanded worldwide. In 2008, Profit Magazine recognized Opritel as one of Canada’s fastest growing companies (OpenText Corporation acquired Operitel in 2011).
Skinner also owns Kawartha Entertainment Group Inc. (KEGI) and MAS Capital Investments. KEGI includes event space The Venue and Italian restaurant Dolcé Vita, both located in downtown Peterborough. MAS Capital is a property management company with commercial and residential real estate holdings in Peterborough.
He also ran as the federal Conservative candidate for the Peterborough-Kawartha riding in the 2015 election.
“I am honored to serve as the Innovation Cluster’s CEO and look forward to continuing to help grow our innovative clients and ensuring that they become successful employers here in Peterborough,” Skinner says. “I am very excited about the future of the Innovation Cluster and being able to continue to work with the amazing GPIC staff.”
