Latest Executive Changes In Marijuana Industry, New Appointments & Resignations

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

Charlotte's Web Names New CSO

Charlotte's Web Holdings, Inc. CWEB CWBHF recently tapped Marcel Bonn-Miller, Ph.D. as its chief scientific officer.

Bonn-Miller brings more than two decades of cannabis research experience to the Denver-based company.

Prior to joining Charlotte's Web, he served four years at Canopy Growth Corporation WEED CGC most recently as vice president of human and animal research. In addition to his work at the Canadian cannabis giant, Bonn-Miller has held positions as director of cannabinoid research at Zynerba Pharmaceuticals, adjunct assistant professor at U Penn's Perelman School of Medicine and health science specialist at the Department of Veterans Affairs in Palo Alto, California.

Bonn-Miller will lead the company's R&D portfolio in his new role, including new product development, pre-clinical and clinical research, scientific and regulatory support and alternative botanical wellness.

Akanda Appoints New CFO

International medical cannabis platform company Akanda Corp. AKAN appointed Shailesh Bhushan as its chief financial officer.

Bhushan has over 25 years of financial and accounting experience and will lead the company's finance and accounting organization.

Bhushan's experience includes chief accounting officer roles for Halo Collective HALO HCANF (FSE: A9K0) and Namaste Technologies Inc., which rebranded to Lifeist Wellness Inc. NXTTF LFST (FRANKFURT: M5B) and accounting experience with Transact Network and Golden Leaf Holdings Ltd. GLH GLDFF.

Anebulo Names Sandra Gardiner To Oversee Its Financial Department

Anebulo Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ANEB, a biopharmaceutical company developing novel solutions for people suffering from acute cannabinoid intoxication and substance addiction, recently announced the appointment of Sandra Gardiner as its acting chief financial officer.

Gardiner joins Anebulo from Pulse Biosciences, Inc. PLSE, where she served as a chief financial officer until December 2022.

She brings over three decades of financial, operational and management experience, with demonstrated leadership and a strong network within the investor and financial analyst community.

Gardiner succeeds Rex Merchant, who served as the company's chief financial officer since its inception and helped guide Anebulo through a successful IPO in May 2021.

"We are delighted to welcome Sandra to the Anebulo team given her strong financial experience and expertise within the biotech sector," Simon Allen, chief executive officer of Anebulo, said. "Further, we can work with additional experts within Potrero Hill Advisors as needs arise, providing Anebulo with a flexible and fully integrated outsourced solution for our finance and accounting needs.

NORML's Executive Director Steps Down

Erik Altieri has stepped down as NORML's executive director, saying has decided to pursue projects outside of the cannabis policy reform space, the organization said last week.

He assumed leadership in November 2016 and took over the organization's leadership in 2017.

"I'm proud that NORML has remained true to the mission on which it was founded in 1970: to advocate on behalf of cannabis consumers," Altieri said.

Altieri kicked off his professional career with NORML as an intern in 2007. He later became communications director. Following a brief organizational absence, he returned in 2016 as executive director.

Chalice's John Varghese Resigns As Director

Chalice Brands Ltd. CHAL CHALF said on Friday that John Varghese resigned from the company's board of directors for personal reasons.

Varghese was appointed to the board in 2018 and has served as executive chairman since September 2, 2019.

"Since joining our Board five years ago, John made considerable contributions and has provided valuable insights, perspective, and dedication during his service as a member of Chalice Brands," Jeff Yapp, president and CEO, said. "On behalf of the board of directors, the management team, and our shareholders, I thank John and wish him well in his future endeavors."

LEEF's Brandon Kou Resigns From Board

LEEF Brands Inc. LEEF LEEEF announced the resignation of Brandon Kou from its board of directors last week.

The identification phase of onboarding a new director has already begun and the company looks forward to announcing the new board member in the coming weeks.

"On behalf of the entire LEEF Brands team, I want to express my sincere gratitude to Brandon for his dedicated service and contributions to helping build the foundation of LEEF," CEO Micah Anderson said. "We wish Brandon all the best in his future endeavors."

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.

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