Dr. Paul Salvini is Chief Executive Officer at the Accelerator Centre.
After graduating from the University of Waterloo with a BMath degree in 1992 (CS/EEE), he went on to complete graduate studies in engineering (MASc, PhD) and business (MBA) at the University of Toronto.
In 2007, Paul was named to Canada's Top 40 Under 40™, a prestigious national award celebrating Canadians under the age of 40 who are outstanding leaders in their chosen fields and who are shaping our country's future. Recipients are chosen for their vision and leadership, innovation and achievement, impact, growth and development, and community work.
As Chief Technology Officer at Side Effects Software from 1996 to 2011, Paul led an award-winning team of mathematicians and software developers in the creation of Houdini: a 3D animation and visual effects software package used by many of the world's top creative studios. He has worked with most of the major production facilities to bring stories and creative visual ideas to life.
Paul has maintained a life-long commitment to higher education causes. Since 1993, he has served as an instructor, mentor and academic advisor at various local universities. He currently holds appointments as an Adjunct Professor and KMDI Research Fellow at the University of Toronto where he teaches graduate courses in simulation and technology entrepreneurship and conducts research in simulation and visualization.
Paul serves on a number of boards and committees in the areas of computer graphics, simulation, visualization, and 3D film innovation. He is an active member of the local community and supports a wide range of not-for-profit initiatives. He is passionate about combining business, technology and the creative arts.
Waterloo is an incredible school with an innovative and entrepreneurial spirit and an unstoppable passion for excellence. It provides a life-long model for success that is infused in its students and retained by its alumni.
When he was asked to join the University of Waterloo Alumni Council in 2006, his decision was easy.
It was an honour to be asked and I am happy to give back in this important way.
Since then, Paul has served on a number of council committees and subcommittees and became President of the Alumni Council in 2011.
Outside of work, Paul can often be found in the sky in his Cessna Skylane. He is a licensed commercial pilot with instrument and float ratings. He lives in Kitchener with his wife Julia, son Kai, daughter Lindsay, and dog Nella — a yellow Labrador.
Paul can be reached at psalvini@alumni.uwaterloo.ca.