SODA CEO inaugural Chief Exec of Momentum Foundation

MEDIA RELEASE

DATE – 21 November 2013
For immediate release

SODA CEO appointed inaugural Chief Executive of Momentum Foundation

After 10 years as SODA’s founder and CEO, Cheryl Reynolds this week announced her resignation to take up a new role as the inaugural Chief Executive of the Momentum Foundation. Cheryl will start with the foundation in the new year.

Momentum is a new Waikato-based community foundation with the purpose of pooling, investing and growing funds that are held in perpetuity to support projects of regional significance for inter-generational benefit.

“I’m totally thrilled at being invited to lead the new Momentum Foundation. It’s an opportunity to seed and support new major projects for inter-generational beneift in our region. I am passionate about this generation stepping up and taking responsibility to build a thriving Waikato for future generations. I believe the Waikato is ready to create some new momentum” says Cheryl Reynolds.

“Leaving SODA is bitter-sweet as it is a business that I’m very proud of and is very dear to my heart. However, SODA has built a strong foundation, and it’s in great shape for the future. I look forward to seeing it continue to thrive and grow by playing a major role in boosting the Waikato economy.”

Cheryl started SODA as a concept 10 years ago. By 2008, with support from founding shareholders Wintec and the Hamilton City Council, Waikato’s first entrepreneurship centre was established, and it opened for business in 2009. Cheryl has been Chief Executive since then.

SODA is Cheryl’s tenth successful startup, with many notable achievements during her time there. Cheryl has created a strong foundation for SODA and has built a ground-breaking entrepreneurship centre and brand, with many credible mentors, investors, funders and corporate partners involved.

Now each year over 1,500 entrepreneurs and 100 startup businesses come in contact with SODA, receiving services ranging from business growth programmes to global networks and connections.

SODA Chair John Cook says: “Cheryl Reynolds has been an outstanding leader for SODA and we thank her for the vision and dedication she brought to the development and growth of the company. The move to Momentum Foundation is a wonderful opportunity for her, and I think that many people will be pleased to hear she is staying in our region.”

“SODA’s Board of Directors would like to thank Cheryl for her passion, drive and leadership over the years. Her perseverance and her professionalism with our clients, our business startups, and our partners has been outstanding. She has also grown, led and inspired a great team.”

Cook advised the recruitment process to replace Cheryl will get underway soon. “In the interim, the capable SODA team will operate the incubator as business as usual,” said Cook.

Cheryl will take up her new role with the Momentum Foundation in the new year.

ENDS

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