After interviewing over 120 candidates, Accelerate Okanagan Technology Association (AO) announced that they had appointed a new CEO this week.
Raghwa Gopal, the new CEO for the organization, has been the acting CEO for the past two months, and is taking on the full-time position immediately.
“We are very fortunate to have someone of his calibre to lead our organization through the next stage of growth,” said Blair Forrest, AO Board Chairman, in a statement. “He is a very well-known and respected person with an extensive history in our community who will bring many years of business acumen, industry expertise and knowledge to the role.”
Gopal moved to Kelowna in the mid-1970s and helped to build and grow Vadim Software, one of the regions first technology companies.
Vadim operated the company for 28 years, helping the organization grow to be one of the largest suppliers of financial management software to Canadian municipalities before it was acquired in 2001.
Since then, Gopal has invested in the community, received multiple business awards, and been recognized for his volunteer efforts including Director of the Okanagan College Foundation, the Rotary Club of Kelowna, the United Way, and the Central Okanagan Development Commission.
“Through his prior involvement as acting CEO and Executive in Residence, Raghwa is very familiar with our team, association members, programs, clients, partners, government funding organizations and objectives,” continued Forrest.
Gopal said he is looking forward to taking on the role.
"It is an immense honor to be offered the position of CEO for Accelerate Okanagan, particularly because this is such an exciting time for the tech industry in the Okanagan and the province as a whole,” said Gopal, in a statement. “With the Okanagan Centre for Innovation (OCI) opening soon, the new BC Tech Fund, and new and innovative programs being offered by Accelerate Okanagan, I see tremendous opportunity for the growth of tech companies in the Okanagan.”
Gopal said his primary goal is fostering collaboration in the area, and the province, so local companies can grow and thrive.
“I’m looking forward to help further cultivate and nurture the burgeoning tech industry in the Okanagan," added Gopal.
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