The Cape Innovation and Technology Initiative (CiTi) has appointed former chief operating officer (COO) Ian Merrington as its new chief executive officer (CEO).
CiTi said Merrington brought with him a wealth of corporate experience and know-how in the technology, innovation and the creative sectors.
He also previously spent several years in advertising and consulting services, including as group financial director of BBDO and as COO of iKineo.
CiTi chairman Greg Reis said the appointment was the beginning of a new chapter for the organisation as it seeks to build upon its successes thus far.
“Since its inception in 1998, CiTi has been able to build upon the passion and talents of a number of executives who have each worked towards the vision of developing Cape Town and the region as a global technology cluster, a vibrant hub for innovation and a significant contributor to unlocking the region’s potential for economic growth,” he said.
CiTi was founded as a non-profit organisation by a broad group of industry stakeholders and citizens, and has since grown to become the flagship organisation for the innovation sector in the region.
Joshin Raghubar, chairperson of one of CiTi’s projects the Bandwidth Barn, predicted an exciting road ahead.
“One of our key strategic goals is to partner with leading innovation companies to expand our reach and effectiveness by connecting the Cape innovation sector to other leading hubs throughout South Africa and beyond,” he said.
