Eric Van der Kleij has stepped down as head of Canary Wharf Group’s financial technology accelerator programme, Level39.
Van der Kleij, who has led the programme for the past three years since its launch, is to focus full time on start-up innovation consultancy ENTIQ, which is based in Level39.
His resignation comes as research released this week by CBRE found that Canary Wharf had become London’s pre-eminent location for financial technology, or fintech, start-ups.
Level39 now houses nearly 200 companies and it will soon expand onto a third floor of One Canada Square, E14, to provide more space for high-growth companies.
Van der Kleij said: “I’ve learnt a huge amount in the time I’ve been here, including contributing to the growth of the fintech sector and opening up the whole area of ecosystems, smart cities and real estate technologies.
“Now that Level39 is an established ecosystem, I’m ready to refocus on developing our own business but will be working with Canary Wharf Group to find the best new leader for the strong team we have built up at Level39.”
Canary Wharf Group is now seeking a full-time replacement for Van der Kleij.
