cannachiefsmedia-blog
Top 50 Most Influential Canna Chiefs of 2019
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cannachiefsmedia-blog · 5 years ago
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#50 Renee M Gagnon, Founder & CEO at Hollyweed North
Corporate Bio
Renee is the world’s first Federally Licensed Female Cannabis Pubco CEO, security specialist, and international speaker. Renee has been fortunate enough to be at the beginning of several major trends and market creations. Throughout her career, detecting and then capitalizing on change has been her focus.
Social Media Links:      Twitter       Linked In       Instagram
How did you get involved with the Cannabis Industry?
What is your biggest accomplishment to date in the Cannabis Industry?
What are your future goals?
Who/what Inspires you?
Do you use Cannabis products? If yes, what are your favorite Cannabis products/brands?
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cannachiefsmedia-blog · 5 years ago
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#50 Renee M Gagnon, Founder & CEO at Hollyweed North
Corporate Bio
Renee is the world’s first Federally Licensed Female Cannabis Pubco CEO, security specialist, and international speaker. Renee has been fortunate enough to be at the beginning of several major trends and market creations. Throughout her career, detecting and then capitalizing on change has been her focus.
Social Media Links:      Twitter       Linked In       Instagram
How did you get involved with the Cannabis Industry?
What is your biggest accomplishment to date in the Cannabis Industry?
What are your future goals?
Who/what Inspires you?
Do you use Cannabis products? If yes, what are your favorite Cannabis products/brands?
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cannachiefsmedia-blog · 5 years ago
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#49 Maxim Zavet, CEO & Founder of Robes Cannabis
Corporate Bio
Maxim is currently CEO & Founder of Robes Cannabis. Prior to Robes, Maxim was the Founder of Emblem Cannabis which was acquired by Aleafia in a deal that was completed  on March 14, 2019.
Social Media Links:      Twitter       Linked In      Instagram
How did you get involved with the Cannabis Industry?
What is your biggest accomplishment to date in the Cannabis Industry?
What are your future goals?
Who/what Inspires you?
Do you use Cannabis products? If yes, what are your favorite Cannabis products/brands?
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cannachiefsmedia-blog · 5 years ago
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#48 Damian Kettlewell, Chair, CEO & Founder of Blissco
Corporate Bio
Blissco was founded in 2013 by Damian Kettlewell, but his roots in activism and healing go back much further. In 1995, Damian founded and ran Eco-Fest, an event which had an overall aim of protecting the environment. The successful event ran for six years and raised awareness about the clear cutting in the Stoltmann Wilderness Area. In 1997, Damian created and ran Hemp Canada Day and then continued to work on various climate initiatives for another decade. Then in 2011, Damian and his wife received the devastating news that their three-year-old daughter had leukemia. Once his daughter was successfully cancer-free three years later, Damian turned his attention to finding a career path that more closely aligned with his values of environmental stewardship, health, wellness, and personal well-being.
The Supreme Cannabis Company Inc. has signed a deal to acquire Blissco Cannabis Corp. in an all-stock deal it valued at $48 million. Under the agreement, each Blissco Share will be exchanged for 0.24 of a common share of Supreme Cannabis.
Based in Langley, B.C., Blissco operates a 18,000-square-foot production facility and has been producing cannabis oils since receiving its production license in August 2018. Damian will continue to lead Blissco and has committed to remaining employed at Supreme Cannabis as well as retaining at least 75 per cent of his shares for a minimum of two years.
Social Media Links:      Twitter       Linked In      Instagram
How did you get involved with the Cannabis Industry?
I started out in the Cannabis Industry as a community organizer and activist producing  "Hemp Canada Day on July 1, 1998, at Richards on Richards in Vancouver, BC. The poster for that event is in Blissco's boardroom.
What is your biggest accomplishment to date in the Cannabis Industry?
Blessed to be the Blissco team. They are the best in the Cannabis Industry.
What are your future goals?
Aside from being among the Top 50 Canna Chiefs, I look forward to continue working with great teams and partners that want to change the world. There are so many opportunities in the Cannabis Industry to make a difference in the world. This excites me.
Who/what Inspires you?
My inspiration comes from outside the Cannabis Industry, My family & friends, the ocean & the forests.  
Do you use Cannabis products? If yes, what are your favorite Cannabis products/brands?
Yes. Full spectrum options from cannabis brands that minimize their ecological footprint. The Cannabis Industry needs to prioritize environmental sustainability.
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cannachiefsmedia-blog · 5 years ago
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#47 Geoffrey M. Benic, CEO at Aleafia
Corporate Bio
Widely known for his role in helping to create and build the iconic Grocery Gateway brand, Benic’s career has been characterized by success in many highly demanding environments. Previously regional director of United Parcel Service Canada, one of the world’s most rigorous and demanding global logistics entities, Benic moved on to be an initial Grocery Gateway employee and General Manager. From October 2004 until June 2018, Benic was the founder and chairman of Sofilia Logistics Group Inc., a leading National Delivery Logistics Service, where he followed a vertical integration growth strategy and successfully acquired and integrated mid-market businesses. His capital-raising abilities have been significant and include several mergers and acquisitions and eventual sales to larger companies. Geoffrey will surely put his stamp on the Cannabis Industry.  
Social Media Links:      Twitter      Linked In       Instagram
How did you get involved with the Cannabis Industry?
What is your biggest accomplishment to date in the Cannabis Industry?
What are your future goals?
Who/what Inspires you?
Do you use Cannabis products? If yes, what are your favorite Cannabis products/brands?
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cannachiefsmedia-blog · 5 years ago
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#46 Keith Merker
Corporate Bio
Keith has been with WeedMD from the earliest days of the company and from the onset of the commercial cannabis industry. Formerly CFO, he was instrumental in guiding the company from the start-up phase through to today’s successful operation. Prior to WeedMD, Keith has a history of entrepreneurship and over 15 years experience working as a finance professional.
Social Media Links:      Twitter       Linked In       Instagram
How did you get involved with the Cannabis Industry?
What is your biggest accomplishment to date in the Cannabis Industry?
What are your future goals?
Who/what Inspires you?
Do you use Cannabis products? If yes, what are your favorite Cannabis products/brands?
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cannachiefsmedia-blog · 5 years ago
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#45 Jesse McConnell, M.A.
Corporate Bio
As an authority with nearly two decades of experience in the Cannabis industry, Jesse co-founded the first certified organic, federally-licensed cannabis growing facility in Canada. He has an unparalleled network of relationships in the industry and has been involved in the design and licensure of multiple facilities across Canada and the United States. Jesse’s industry experience also includes the development of proprietary, innovative growth techniques to produce high-quality, certified organic, cannabis crops. In a previous life, Jesse was a university educated economist and philosopher.
Social Media Links:      Twitter       Linked In       Instagram
How did you get involved with the Cannabis Industry?
What is your biggest accomplishment to date in the Cannabis Industry?
What are your future goals?
Who/what Inspires you?
Do you use Cannabis products? If yes, what are your favorite Cannabis products/brands?
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cannachiefsmedia-blog · 5 years ago
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#44 Dr. Avtar Dhillon, President at Emerald Health Therapeutics
Corporate Bio
Dr. Dhillon is a life sciences entrepreneur with more than 35 years of experience. As a founder/co-founder or lead investor in dozens of life science companies, he has raised more than $1B in public and private financings. He is currently the Chairman, CEO and President of Emerald Health Sciences, a holding company with a portfolio broadly focused on the development of pharmaceutical, botanical, and nutraceutical products, including a controlling position in Emerald Health Therapeutics. As President and CEO of Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Dr. Dhillon led a turnaround with multiple successful financings and licensing deals with Merck, Wyeth (now Pfizer) and Roche. Before joining Inovio, he was Vice President of MDS Capital Corp. (now Lumira Capital Corp.). Dr. Dhillon now serves as an active board member and chairman for multiple life science and investment companies and is Chairman of the Cannabis Canada Council. Prior to his business career, Dr. Dhillon practiced family medicine. He has a BSc (Honours) in Human Physiology and an MD from the University of British Columbia.
Social Media Links:      Twitter      Linked In      Instagram
How did you get involved with the Cannabis Industry?
What is your biggest accomplishment to date in the Cannabis Industry?
What are your future goals?
Who/what Inspires you?
Do you use Cannabis products? If yes, what are your favorite Cannabis products/brands?
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cannachiefsmedia-blog · 5 years ago
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#43 Tyler Robson CEO & Director at Valens GroWorks
Corporate Bio
Based on Mr. Robson’s impressive commitment and contributions to Valens GroWorks, he was appointed CEO in May 2017 after previously serving as Chief Operating Officer. Tyler attended the University of Saskatchewan on a football scholarship, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts & Sciences degree specializing in biology. He returned to Kelowna to pursue his passion for the cannabis industry by focusing on research and development, plant innovation, and life sciences. Tyler’s main interest is the medical application of cannabis to combat ailments while preparing for the up and coming adult use recreational market.
Social Media Links:      Twitter       Linked In       Instagram
How did you get involved with the Cannabis Industry?
What is your biggest accomplishment to date in the Cannabis Industry?
What are your future goals?
Who/what Inspires you?
Do you use Cannabis products? If yes, what are your favorite Cannabis products/brands?
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cannachiefsmedia-blog · 5 years ago
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#42 Jeannette VanderMarel, Co-CEO at 48 North
Corporate Bio
Jeannette VanderMarel is an early entrepreneur in the cannabis industry and co-founder of Good & Green and The Green Organic Dutchman, one of Canada’s early Licensed Producers of medical cannabis. Inspired by her personal experience — including her career as a critical care and pediatric intensive care nurse, as well as her daughter’s battle with Dravet syndrome — Jeannette has a strong passion for and commitment to the cannabis industry, recognizing the opportunity cannabis presents to improve patients’ lives, combat the growing reliance on opiates, and improve wellness and health by offering new and innovative treatment alternatives.
Ms. VanderMarel was a registered nurse (RN) and a certified nurse in critical care – pediatrics (CNCCP-C) and has previously served as chair of the Family Advisory Council at McMaster Children’s Hospital and was the co-founder and inaugural chair of the Ontario Lavender Association.  
Social Media Links:      Twitter       Linked In       Instagram
How did you get involved with the Cannabis Industry?
What is your biggest accomplishment to date in the Cannabis Industry?
What are your future goals?
Who/what Inspires you?
Do you use Cannabis products? If yes, what are your favorite Cannabis products/brands?
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cannachiefsmedia-blog · 5 years ago
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#41 Darren Gill, Chief Strategy Officer at Namaste Technologies
Corporate Bio
Darren is currently the Chief Strategy Officer at Namaste Technologies. A Cannabis Industry expert, he is a multi-talented, results-driven leader with a proven ability to orchestrate significant business and operational process improvements, while providing inspirational operational leadership for teams. Dynamic, versatile, and energetic professional with an ability to leverage an innate business and entrepreneurial spirit to deliver significant improvements in operational efficiency, performance, and profitability. Skilled leader, communicator, and facilitator with expertise in partnering with cross-functional teams to ensure attainment of corporate goals and objectives. Expertise in Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Operations.  
Social Media Links:      Twitter     Linked In      Instagram
How did you get involved with the Cannabis Industry?
What is your biggest accomplishment to date in the Cannabis Industry?
What are your future goals?
Who/what Inspires you?
Do you use Cannabis products? If yes, what are your favorite Cannabis products/brands?
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cannachiefsmedia-blog · 5 years ago
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#40 Vinay Tolia, Executive Director & CEO at Flowr
Corporate Bio
Mr. Tolia attended the University of Michigan where he obtained a BA in economics and BSE in Industrial and Operations Engineering. Prior to his role with the Corporation, Mr. Tolia was the managing member of Bengal Capital Trading LLC, a derivatives trading firm with a focus on listed equity options, and previously held roles with investment banking firms Peter J. Solomon Company and hedge fund Midtown Capital.
Social Media Links:     Twitter    Linked In     Instagram
How did you get involved with the Cannabis Industry?
What is your biggest accomplishment to date in the Cannabis Industry?
What are your future goals?
Who/what Inspires you?
Do you use Cannabis products? If yes, what are your favorite Cannabis products/brands?
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cannachiefsmedia-blog · 5 years ago
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#39 Brian Athaide, CEO at The Organic Green Dutchman
Corporate Bio
Brian has 28+ years of global executive experience including CFO and Executive Vice President, Human Resources and Information Technology of Andrew Peller Limited, a publicly listed Canadian wine producer. Mr. Athaide has also held various positions in finance, including Chief Financial Officer at a number of international divisions of Procter & Gamble, a leading consumer products company.
He has a Bachelor of Commerce degree, with a major in finance and marketing from McGill University.
Social Media Links:     Twitter     Linked In     Instagram
How did you get involved with the Cannabis Industry?
What is your biggest accomplishment to date in the Cannabis Industry?
What are your future goals?
Who/what Inspires you?
Do you use Cannabis products? If yes, what are your favorite Cannabis products/brands?
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cannachiefsmedia-blog · 5 years ago
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#38 Andrew Grieve, CEO at Zenabis Global, Inc.
Corporate Bio
Andrew is an experienced financial executive, entrepreneur, principal investor, and officer in the Canadian Armed Forces. Andrew, as Co-Founder and Co-Head of Advisory at Agentis Capital, has advised on more than $20 billion of completed acquisition, financing, and project development transactions across a wide range of sectors, from infrastructure to technology and industrials. Andrew has led many of Agentis Capital's 18 principal investments, including complex restructuring and technology transactions, where he has taken extensive operational roles. Andrew has been an officer in the Canadian Armed Forces for 15 years, where he is currently a Major.
Social Media Links:     Twitter     Linked In     Instagram
How did you get involved with the Cannabis Industry?
What is your biggest accomplishment to date in the Cannabis Industry?
What are your future goals?
Who/what Inspires you?
Do you use Cannabis products? If yes, what are your favorite Cannabis products/brands?
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cannachiefsmedia-blog · 5 years ago
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#37 Mike Gorenstein, Chairman, President & CEO of Cronos Group
Corporate Bio
Mike Gorenstein is the Chairman, President and CEO of Cronos Group. Mr. Gorenstein is also a Co-founder and Member of Gotham Green Partners. Before joining the Company, Mr. Gorenstein was the VP and General Counsel at Alphabet Partners, LP, a New York City based multi-strategy investment management firm, focused on identifying mispriced assets across various industries, asset classes and geographies. Prior to Alphabet Partners, LP, he was a corporate attorney at Sullivan & Cromwell LLP where he focused on mergers and acquisitions and capital markets transactions.
Mr. Gorenstein graduated from the University of Pennsylvania Law School with a Juris Doctor (JD), the Wharton School at University of Pennsylvania with a certificate in Business Economics and Public Policy and the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University with a Bachelor of Science Business in Finance.
Social Media Links:     Twitter    Linked In     Instagram
How did you get involved with the Cannabis Industry?
What is your biggest accomplishment to date in the Cannabis Industry?
What are your future goals?
Who/what Inspires you?
Do you use Cannabis products? If yes, what are your favorite Cannabis products/brands?
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cannachiefsmedia-blog · 5 years ago
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#36 Marcos Agramont, CEO & Director at Isodiol
Corporate Bio
Marcos grew up with a love for baseball and spent many years playing team sports. As a result he has developed the ability to create teams for different departments with various companies, such as Coca-Cola, Gourmet Boutique a co-packer of meal replacement exclusive for Safeway Groceries and notably Medical Marijuana Inc.
He possesses the insight to succinctly identify an individual’s strengths and weaknesses so as to best utilize them. His success in creating teams is also derived from his leadership which inspires those he surrounds himself with to strive for excellence. Most importantly he instills trust among staff to follow his direction and decision making resulting in increased productivity from them.
Marcos’ work ethic is unparalleled among our leadership and it resonates within the teams he develops.  
Social Media Links:     Twitter     Linked In     Instagram
How did you get involved with the Cannabis Industry?
What is your biggest accomplishment to date in the Cannabis Industry?
What are your future goals?
Who/what Inspires you?
Do you use Cannabis products? If yes, what are your favorite Cannabis products/brands?
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cannachiefsmedia-blog · 5 years ago
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#35 Peter Horvath, CEO at Green Growth Brands
Corporate Bio
Peter is a dynamic creative brand leader, team builder and specialty retail veteran with deep roots in finance. Serving in critical C-level leadership roles for brands like Victoria's Secret, American Eagle Outfitters, DSW and Limited Brands, he led strategy and execution across all company channels. Under his leadership, shoe retailer DSW went public on the NYSE at $1.5B.
Peter's unique ability to understand the big picture while never missing subtle details is a critical factor in Green Growth Brands success as a company and our brands' popularity with customers.
Proven ability to master a situation quickly and rapidly becoming fluent in the key technical, personal and historical aspects of the business. Effective sensitivity to cultural differences and motivation of the business principals.
A strategic thinker who drives execution. Highly knowledgeable in a wide variety of professional disciplines that maximize brand growth including finance, marketing, and all facets of business operations from product development to customer engagement.
Recognized proficiency in developing and attracting management and staff and directing and motivating this group to work together as a team to achieve what might previously have been considered impossible.
Over thirty years of progressively more challenging and successful experience with multi-billion dollar global companies as CEO, Chairman, President, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Financial Officer.  
Social Media Links:     Twitter     Linked In     Instagram
How did you get involved with the Cannabis Industry?
What is your biggest accomplishment to date in the Cannabis Industry?
What are your future goals?
Who/what Inspires you?
Do you use Cannabis products? If yes, what are your favorite Cannabis products/brands?
0 notes