CFIN welcomes Curtis Wong as VP, partnerships and development

The Canadian Food Innovation Network (CFIN) appoints Curtis Wong as its new vice- president, partnerships & development.

Based in Vancouver, Wong brings more than 25 years of experience to CFIN. Following a successful hospitality career in luxury hotels and destination management, Curtis worked in several verticals of the food & beverage industry, both in corporate and consultancy roles.

He’s held various project roles in marketing, including sponsorships and partner development, and brings perspective and relationships from a wide-range of organizations, such as Destination Vancouver, Small Business BC, and government ministries supporting tourism, entrepreneurship, and innovation. A profit-minded executive with not-for-profit experience, he’s aware of the investment, cost control, and labour challenges affecting food companies across the country.

Wong is a vocal advocate of addressing global food loss and food insecurity and believes collaboration between innovators, investors, academia, government, and strategic partners is critical to solving global food challenges.

In this newly created role, Wong will further develop regional and national food innovation ecosystems and help CFIN achieve its goal of positioning Canada as a global leader in food and beverage innovation.

“Adding Curtis to our team is a critical step for us as we begin our scale-up journey. With hundreds of new members signing up each month and daily connections and collaborations happening on YODL, we’ve established ourselves as a valued partner and funder for Canadian food innovators. As we enter a new era of growth, Curtis will be instrumental in enhancing member experience, establishing high-value partnerships, and creating new revenue opportunities for the organization,” said Dana McCauley, CEO, Canadian Food Innovation Network.

“I’m thrilled to join the CFIN team. Over the last two years, CFIN has proven its value, created significant impact, and is now primed for rapid growth. I look forward to connecting with the 3200+ members from across the food value chain and championing food innovation across the country,” added Wong.