On May 14, 2019 the Board of Directors at Design Exchange (DX) announced that Razor Suleman has joined the cultural institution’s team as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Since acquiring this position, Suleman will be responsible for the development and implementation of the organization’s strategic direction.
“Following an extensive search, we are very happy to welcome Razor to Design Exchange,” said Christopher Wein, Chair of the Board of Directors. “He brings an impressive record of developing and implementing unprecedented initiatives and his passion for, experience in, and knowledge of the innovation ecosystem will be a significant contribution to our new direction and purpose to demonstrate how the intersection of design, innovation, and technology can enrich the lives of people across the world.”
Suleman is the founder and former CEO of Achievers, a provider of SaaS-based rewards and recognition programs. Under his leadership, Achievers raised venture capital from leading firms and in July 2015, Silicon Valley’s Blackhawk Networks acquired the company. Suleman is also the co-founder and CEO of Elevate, Toronto’s annual technology and innovation festival, and he will continue his role as Elevate’s CEO.
DX’s new CEO is a Wilfrid Laurier University’s School of Business graduate and MIT’s Entrepreneurial Mastery Program. In the past 10 years, Suleman has won many awards including Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year award, BDC’s Young Entrepreneur of the Year, and numerous top employer awards.
“I am very excited to join DX and lead the new vision for the organization, especially at time when the coalescing of design and technology in Toronto – the fastest growing innovation ecosystem in North America – is unprecedented. I look forward to working with staff, board, supporters, partners, visitors, creatives, and disruptors to build on the history of the organization and shape the direction of its future,” said Suleman.