Key Marijuana Executive Changes You Should Know About: New Appointments & More

As the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference returns to Miami (April 11-12), gathering top CEOs, investors and leaders in the cannabis industry, let's scroll through the latest leadership changes within the space.

TerrAscend Expands Leadership

TerrAscend Corp. TER TRSSF tapped Jeroen De Beijer to serve as chief people and culture officer, effective immediately.

De Beijer brings over two decades of experience in global human resources and people management operations.

Most recently, DeBeijer worked as VP of human resources for operations at Refresco, after years of serving in the company. Before Refresco, he owned a consulting business focusing on human resources projects at large companies in the manufacturing and services industry.

"Our incredible team has always been a principal factor in our success, so we're thrilled to provide them with added support by welcoming Jeroen aboard," Ziad Ghanem, the company's president and chief operating officer, said.

High Tide CFO To Resign

Canadian cannabis retailer High Tide Inc. HITI said CFO Rahim Kanji opted to depart the company by the end of February.

Sergio Patino will serve as interim CFO following Kanji's departure.

Patino is a chartered professional accountant who joined the company as a financial consultant in November of 2022, bringing more than 20 years of global experience across multiple industries.

Prior to that, he led the transformation of a global supply chain group. He has work experience in finance, strategy, supply chain, project accounting & controls, and process and systems improvement, gained from roles held in large publicly traded companies in the oil and gas, mining and heavy construction industries.

Adastra Names Lachlan McLeod, New CFO

Canadian cannabis company Adastra Holdings Ltd. XTRX (FRA: D2EP) announced that Lachlan McLeod, CPA of Fehr & Associates, has been appointed to oversee its finance department.

Lachlan brings experience in public practice, having worked as an auditor for a Big 4 accounting firm for four years, and has served as a fractional CFO for multiple public companies.

"With deep functional expertise and technical knowledge in all aspects of corporate finance, financial planning and accounting, we believe Lachlan's leadership will support our next phase of growth," Adastra CEO Michael Forbes said.

Schwazze Taps Christine Jones To Serve As CLO

Medicine Man Technologies, which operates as Schwazze SHWZ SHWZ, recently announced a key addition to its executive leadership team as it pursues the expansion of its footprint in Colorado and New Mexico.

Christine Jones agreed to join the company as a chief legal officer, replacing Dan Pabon, who, in late 2022, moved into a newly created role at Schwazze as chief policy and regulatory affairs officer.

Jones brings over 25 years of experience as corporate counsel to several prominent companies and an extensive background in providing tactical and strategic advice to executive management and boards of directors.

Prior to joining Long Play, Jones delivered general counsel services to domestic and global companies of varying sizes. In addition, she also served as general counsel of Jeppesen, which provides aeronautical navigational information, operations planning tools, flight planning products and software.

"We are excited to add a skilled cannabis legal professional to our Executive Leadership team as the Company positions itself for growth in both Colorado and New Mexico," Scwazze president Nirup Krishnamurthy said. "Christine Jones' expertise in corporate governance, contract management, and mergers and acquisitions will benefit Schwazze immensely as we pursue our regional growth model."

GrowGen Names New VP Of Operations

GrowGeneration Corp. GRWG has appointed Clifton Tomasini to serve as its new vice president of operations.

In his new role, Tomasini will oversee all operations and drive profitability across the organization by ensuring collaboration, accountability, and, most importantly, customer satisfaction.

Tomasini ventured into the hydroponics industry in 2011, building Quest, one of the industry's signature HVAC-D. Prior to that, he led supply chain operations for Therma-Stor LLC in Madison, Wisconsin, for nearly a decade.

"Clif has spent many years in the hydroponics industry and understands the intricacies and complexities of the various markets we serve," Darren Lampert, the company's co-founder and CEO, said. "He has a strong hydroponics and operations-based background that will greatly benefit the entire GrowGeneration organization."

Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference

The most successful cannabis business event in the world, the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference, returns to Miami for its 16th edition.
This is the place where DEALS GET DONE, where money is raised, M&A starts, and companies meet investors and key partners. Join us at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach Hotel in Florida on April 11-12. Don’t miss out.
Secure your tickets now. Prices will surge very soon.

Photo: Beniznga edit of image by Shutterstock