Golden Leaf Holdings Ltd – one of Canada’s leading cannabis companies – has announced that Jeffrey Yapp will succeed John Varghese as CEO.
The announcement follows the recent resignation of Gary Zipfel from the board of directors. Mr Varghese, who served as interim CEO, will transition to the role of Executive Chairman and lead all capital markets-related activities.
Rick Miller, current Chairman of the Company’s Board
of Directors welcomed Mr Yapp to the role, stating he would be bringing a great
deal of experience to Golden Leaf.
“We are enthusiastic about the wealth of experience,
innovative thinking and consumer-oriented vision that Jeff will bring to the
role of CEO.
“The Board remains confident in the great potential
and growth prospects for Golden Leaf Holdings.
“We want to thank John Varghese who stepped up to lead Golden Leaf through this transitional phase, for his professionalism and leadership over the last few months. As John takes on the role of Executive Chairman, I will continue to work closely with both gentlemen as the company’s lead director.”
Mr Yapp, meanwhile, said his focus was now on creating
a formidable leadership team.
“I
look forward to leading Golden Leaf Holdings into a new phase of growth for
both our shareholders and team,” he said.
“It is exciting to be part of an industry where the
work we do and how we do it has the potential to make such a significant impact
in the quality of people’s lives.
“Rarely does one get the chance to work in an industry
with such an explosive growth opportunity, and I believe that Golden Leaf
Holdings has the ability to set a standard of excellence that leads and shapes
the industry.
“Among my first priorities is to select and build a
world-class leadership team, who will come together to execute a series of
significant new initiatives.”
Mr Yapp takes over with more than three decades of experience working as a visionary and global creative leader in the consumer, entertainment and technology spaces. He drove innovation and growth while working with global brands including Microsoft, Viacom MTV, Pepsico, NewsCorp, Twentieth Century Fox, Cablevision and Kraft.
He was also integral in launching successful products and brands including Vice Media, Guitar Hero, Rock Band, as well as the re-launch of “Star Wars,” “Independence Day” and “Crazy Heart” (winner of two Academy Awards). Prior to joining Golden Leaf, Mr Yapp served as the founder and CEO of Wutznxt, a strategic marketing and consulting firm that works with and advises companies from start-ups to Fortune 25 companies.
