Terry Rock Leaves Platform Calgary, Joins Alberta Innovates

Terry Rock is stepping down as president and CEO of Platform Calgary, effective October 14, 2023. Rock will transition to a new position with Alberta Innovates, the province’s innovation agency. This change marks the end of a significant chapter in Calgary’s innovation landscape, where Rock has been a pivotal figure for the past seven years.

During his tenure at Platform Calgary, which he joined in 2018, Rock played an instrumental role in shaping the organization’s identity and enhancing its visibility within the city’s startup community. Under his leadership, the organization fostered connections among entrepreneurs, mentors, investors, and industry partners, particularly as Calgary sought to diversify its economy beyond traditional sectors.

One of the highlights of Rock’s leadership was the opening of the Platform Innovation Centre in June 2022. Located in downtown Calgary, the centre has welcomed over 200,000 visitors in just over two years, establishing itself as a central hub for the city’s technology community. The launch represented a significant shift from previously scattered networks to a more coordinated and concentrated presence in Calgary’s core.

Under Rock’s guidance, Platform Calgary also saw substantial growth in its membership, which expanded to more than 800 companies. In 2024, these firms collectively created 6,750 jobs and generated $235 million in revenue, illustrating the rapid scaling of the tech sector in the region.

Dean Prodan, Chair of the Platform Calgary Board, expressed gratitude for Rock’s contributions, stating, “On behalf of the board, I want to sincerely thank Terry Rock for his exceptional leadership and contributions to Platform Calgary and the growth of Calgary’s innovation ecosystem. Terry has left a strong legacy, and we wish him the very best in his next chapter.”

As Rock departs, Jen Lussier, the Chief Operating Officer of Platform Calgary, will assume the role of interim CEO starting October 15. Lussier joined the organization in 2019 as a startup advisor and has since advanced through various leadership roles. With over three decades of experience in Calgary’s business community, she co-founded a startup in the construction industry and has been actively involved in local initiatives, including serving on the boards of Product Calgary and the Calgary Innovation Coalition.

Prodan expressed confidence in Lussier’s ability to lead during this transitional period, noting her deep understanding of both Platform Calgary and the broader innovation community. “The Platform Calgary Board has absolute confidence in Jennifer Lussier’s ability to step seamlessly into the interim-CEO role,” he stated. “Her knowledge will ensure stability and continued support for Calgary innovators.”

The board will now begin the search for a permanent CEO, considering both internal and external candidates. The transition occurs at a time when Calgary’s technology sector is gaining recognition on both national and international fronts. According to the 2025 Startup Genome Global Startup Ecosystem Report, Calgary has been ranked among the world’s Top 50 Emerging Ecosystems, while CBRE’s Scoring Tech Talent 2025 report placed the city 17th in North America for tech talent, underscoring a remarkable 61% increase in tech jobs over the past three years, the fastest growth rate among all markets surveyed.

Platform Calgary’s growth narrative reflects a broader trend of increasing talent pools, rising investments in startups, and enhanced visibility on the global stage. As reported by Digital Journal earlier this year, Calgary’s tech sector has managed to maintain its momentum despite broader economic challenges. With the shift in leadership at Platform Calgary, the organization is poised to continue its mission of supporting innovation and entrepreneurship in the region.