Pete Blackshaw, a former Cincinnati startup founder and Nestle executive who has led Cintrifuse for the last five years, will depart that role in early 2024.
Blackshaw and Cintrifuse Board Chair Guy Persaud both put out releases Jan. 5 announcing that Blackshaw will leave the organization March 31. Persaud wrote in his announcement that Cintrifuse's board will appoint a search committee to identify the group's next leader.
Blackshaw in his announcement, posted to LinkedIn, wrote that he is leaving to pursue "some exciting new opportunities driven by the #AI (artificial intelligence) revolution."
"There is one particular idea that I can’t stop thinking about – the intersection of AI, trust and sustainability – themes that have animated, focused and inspired me for decades. I’m excited to pursue this intersection," Blackshaw wrote.
Blackshaw took the role of Cintrifuse CEO in November 2018. He joined from Nestle in Vevey, Switzerland, where he headed up digital and social media for the foods giant. But his roots in Cincinnati stretch deep. He co-founded Procter & Gamble's first digital division in 1997 before departing to create his own startup, PlanetFeedback, which he built into a multimillion-dollar firm.
Blackshaw is only the third CEO of Cintrifuse. He took the place of Wendy Lea, a Silicon Valley success in her own right, the founder of companies including the Sales Consultancy and Get Satisfaction. She succeeded Jeff Weedman, an executive on-loan from P&G.
Persaud credited Blackshaw as being instrumental in Cintrifuse's "transformational achievements," including creating a startup hub in the group's Over-the-Rhine headquarters in Union Hall, building strong partnerships with major local corporations, igniting StartUpCincy Week – Cintrifuse's marquee annual event – into a powerful platform for the local ecosystem and revitalizing its strategic partnership with the University of Cincinnati and other partners.
"Pete has helped to position our organization well so that our next leader can take us into our next chapter," Persaud wrote. "This includes the recent expansion of our Venture Capital Fund to substantially increase local investment. We are confident this will help local entrepreneurs and start-ups thrive for years to come."
Blackshaw in his LinkedIn post wrote he's proud of everything Cintrifuse has achieved.
"This is a pivotal moment," he wrote. "The rapid pace of technological change is shaping our future faster than ever. Regions across the U.S. are boldly investing in tech, vying for federal dollars, and competing for talent and capital."
J.B. Kropp, named managing director for Cintrfuse’s syndicate fund in April 2023, will continue in his role, the organization said. The fund is pivoting to invest directly into local startups, part of Cintrifuse's mission to help local entrepreneurs attract investment.
