Hootsuite Founder Returns as CEO Amid AI Opportunities

0:00Hoodsweets founder Ryan Holmes is back as interim CEO effective immediately. He's replacing Kiarina Novicellski, who led for three and a half years. The Vancouver Company calls this a major turning point driven by artificial intelligence opportunities. Novicellski faced backlash over a contract with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Through a partner called Seneca Strategic Partners, Hoodsweets applies social media management tools worth up to $2.8 million. That deal started in August 2024. Protests erupted outside Hoodsweets headquarters as critics demanded they dropped the contracts and apologized. The anger ties to immigration and customs enforcement actions, including a Minnesota crackdown with two U.S. citizen deaths in agent shootings. Novicellski condemned those events as wrong and devastating for communities. She highlighted Hoodsweets 15-plus years working with governments worldwide. In her LinkedIn post, she expressed gratitude and backed the leadership shift. Holmes, who built the company over a decade before stepping down in 2019, sees huge potential now.

1:05He's ready to push AI investments close to customer needs, shaping Hoodsweets' next era amid the noise. I'm Corey with The Story. That's your Calgary News today update. AI powered and always on.