Larry Shaw Leaves Ignite
FREDERICTON — Ignite Fredericton’s long-time CEO is retiring.
Larry Shaw led the economic development organization for nearly a decade. During that time, he helped grow the region and diversify its economy.
Over the last five years, under Shaw’s tenure, Ignite helped create more than 1,700 jobs, helped more than 4,000 immigrants find homes in the region, and helped launch more than 125 startups.
Shaw also helped oversee growth initiatives like the five-year immigration plan and natural resources task force. He was also an instrumental part of the entrepreneurial leadership through Planet Hatch.
That economic development work also helped Shaw get recognized as one of the Top 50 CEOs in Atlantic Canada.
Jeff Thompson is the chair of Ignite’s board of directors. He says Shaw played a key part in growing Fredericton’s economy, especially the startup ecosystem.
“He’s been just a pillar in the region around economic development,” Thompson told Huddle in a phone interview.
With Shaw moving on from the organization, Thompson said the board plans to quickly get to work finding a replacement. While they do they will name an interim CEO, whom Thompson said the board will name later this week.
Thompson couldn’t say much about the board’s search for a new CEO but did mention they would be looking at the long term.
Ignite’s new leader will take charge at an important time for the organization. Starting in 2023, Ignite will provide economic development, immigration, and workforce development services to an expanded region.
“It’s an exciting time. We have a lot underway at Ignite right now,” Thompson said.
Check back with Huddle for an in-depth interview with Larry Shaw, as he reflects on his time at Ignite.
Trevor Nichols is Huddle’s editor, based in Halifax. Send him your feedback and story ideas: [email protected].