Leadership change comes as province’s tech sector gains national momentum
Alberta Innovates has appointed Dr. Mike Mahon as its permanent CEO following a unanimous decision by the organization’s board. The announcement will be made official on May 21, just ahead of Inventures 2025, the agency’s flagship tech conference in Calgary.
The move formalizes Mahon’s position after serving as interim CEO since July 2024. He stepped into the role during a period of transition, following the sudden departure of former CEO Laura Kilcrease. Over the past year, Mahon has led a comprehensive review of Alberta Innovates’ programs and guided the development of a new strategic plan.
Alberta Innovates, a provincial agency tasked with advancing research and innovation through funding and program support, is shifting its focus under Mahon’s leadership. The new direction emphasizes supporting existing players in Alberta’s growing tech ecosystem, while acting as a connector for innovators and forging national and international partnerships.
The revised mission reflects the evolution of the province’s innovation landscape. Once focused on building an ecosystem from the ground up, the organization now aims to harness the infrastructure and momentum it helped create.
A seasoned academic and administrator, Mahon previously served as president of the University of Lethbridge for 13 years and as dean at the University of Alberta for a decade. He also chaired Universities Canada, further solidifying his reputation as a leader in post-secondary and research sectors.
Alberta’s tech economy is showing signs of acceleration. In the first quarter of 2025, the province ranked third in Canada for venture capital investment, according to the Canadian Venture Capital and Private Equity Association. In 2023, the tech sector contributed $13 billion to Alberta’s GDP, according to ATB Financial.
As part of its forward-looking strategy, Alberta Innovates plans to increase its support for tech talent development and attract companies and workers to the province. The agency will finalize its new business plan with the Alberta government and key partners following the Inventures conference.
Mahon and Alberta Innovates board chair Tony Williams are scheduled to speak about the organization’s go-forward plan during Inventures 2025 on Friday.
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