Claudia Cavalluzzo is leaving her role as executive director of Converge, the company creation programme for staff, students and recent graduates of all Scottish universities and research institutes.
Converge, based at Heriot-Watt University, said Adam Kosterka will become interim executive director. Cavalluzzo was at the helm for six years.
“Claudia’s dedication, vision, and passion have truly made their mark on all of us fortunate enough to work alongside her,” said Converge.
“Her tireless advocacy for entrepreneurship in Scotland’s university sector has been inspiring, and her efforts to support diversity and collaboration have left a lasting impact.
“During her time as executive director, the Converge team doubled in size and capacity, providing training to 100 aspiring entrepreneurs every year.
“Claudia led the development of regional hubs which enable better, more localised and inclusive support to all students, graduates and academic staff across Scotland.
“With her business development hat on, Claudia designed and delivered a new corporate sponsorship strategy facilitating the steady growth of Converge prizes over time.
“Her efforts also forged valuable relationships with key organizations, including energy giant SSE.
“We’ll miss Claudia enormously but her legacy lives on in the thriving community of academic entrepreneurs she has helped foster. Their achievements are a testament to Claudia’s unwavering support and guidance.
“During this period of transition, we’re fortunate to have Adam Kosterka stepping into the role of interim executive director.
“Adam’s seven years of experience at Converge position him well to carry forward Claudia’s vision and ensure continuity for our team, our university partners and the entrepreneurs we serve.”
Adam Kosterka
Cavalluzzo wrote on LinkedIn: “It’s never easy to leave a place that has been my home for almost seven years but I left my real home many years ago and I have built a life around changes and reinvention.
“It’s time to do that again but, oh boy, it’s not been an easy decision to make.
“The community that surrounds Converge is the most precious thing of all and what makes Converge a truly magical place to work in.
“Adam will lead the wonderful team through this transition and I know he will do a great job, well, I hired him …
“Converge has been the most wonderful of adventures and one that I will keep watching from afar, waiting to see it grow and evolve.”