Propel, the Atlantic Canadian virtual accelerator, has appointed longtime tech entrepreneur James Geneau as its new Chief Executive Officer, the organization announced Monday.

Geneau, who was born and raised in New Brunswick, succeeds Kathryn Lockhart, who left the role in late 2025 to lead the McKenna Institute at the University of New Brunswick. Lockhart had served as Propel’s CEO for more than five years, during which Propel focused on encouraging founders to find ways to win customers early rather than chart a path to investment.

In a press release, Propel said Geneau’s appointment reflects the organization’s commitment to deepening support for local entrepreneurs. It noted Geneau’s more than 25 years of experience helping founders and leadership teams build and scale technology-enabled companies in Canada and abroad.

“James brings the kind of global operating experience that matters to local founders who are scaling,” said Propel Chair Cathy Bennett in the statement. “He understands the realities of growth in the Canadian economy in 2026, the pressure founders face, and what it takes to build companies that endure. His leadership marks an important next chapter for Propel.”

Before joining Propel, Geneau’s career spanned senior operating roles and advisory work across software-as-a-service technology, financial technology, government technology and professional services sectors.

Geneau has held senior roles including chief marketing officer at PSD Citywide Inc., where he led go-to-market strategy and team building, and executive advisor roles supporting marketing and growth initiatives for organizations such as VidCruiter in Moncton. His background also includes leading global marketing teams and strategic initiatives for technology firms with international reach.

His work has involved brand strategy, product marketing, sales enablement and customer success, as well as forging strategic partnerships and expanding market presence. He has experience working with both early-stage startups and established technology organizations.

Propel’s virtual accelerator programs aim to help founders validate business models, refine sales strategies and scale their ventures. The organization has supported hundreds of startups and contributed to job creation and investment growth across the region.

With Geneau at the helm, Propel says it plans to reinforce its focus on helping Atlantic Canadian founders build durable, globally competitive companies that generate long-term economic impact. The organization said it will share additional strategic priorities in the coming weeks.

“As someone who has spent decades working alongside founders, I’ve seen how transformative the right support can be at the right time,” said Geneau. “Propel plays a critical role in helping entrepreneurs across Atlantic Canada find clarity, momentum, and confidence as they scale. I’m looking forward to working with founders, partners and the broader ecosystem to help build companies that can compete globally.”