The Canadian Venture Capital and Private Equity Association (CVCA), has named Kim Furlong as new chief executive.
The CVCA, the trade group that represents the venture capital industry, announced today that Furlong, a veteran public affairs executive, assumes the position effective today. Furlong previously headed external affairs for biotech firm Amgen Canada and worked as vice president of federal government relations for the Retail Council of Canada. She also has served in the public sector, as director of communications for then Foreign Affairs Minister Pierre Pettigrew, and advisor to Jim Peterson, when he was Canadian International Trade Minister, on trade policy issues.
“The venture capital and private equity sector is crucial to the growth of the Canadian economy,” Furlong said, in a release. “I am very excited about the opportunity to lead the CVCA and join the remarkable staff in our ongoing effort to establish a favourable and competitive ecosystem and lay the foundation for greater collaboration, partnerships, innovation and growth with governments and other stakeholders.”
Added Mark Usher, chairman of the CVCA: “The board of directors of the CVCA is ecstatic to have Ms. Furlong join the CVCA as our new chief executive officer. The staff and membership of the association will benefit tremendously from Kim’s unique mix of corporate and political background, leadership skills and enthusiasm. I’m extremely confident Kim will guide the CVCA through the ever-changing private capital landscape, helping our members reach new heights and realize our industry’s full potential.”