VIVO Cannabis Inc., announced that both Paul Lucas, Chair and Barry Fishman, Chief Executive Officer and Director, will be retiring from the Company effective December 31, 2020.
Mr. Richard Fitzgerald, a current independent director on the Board and Chair of VIVO’s Governance and Nominating Committee, will assume the role of Chair effective January 1, 2021 and, during the process of identifying a permanent CEO, will serve as interim CEO. Mr. Fitzgerald has decades of experience in consumer insights, brand building and marketing and will continue to be instrumental to the Company to transform great products into unrivalled brands.
“I am especially proud of the Company’s transformation over the past three years to producing and selling high-quality products in multiple brands (Canna Farms™, Beacon Medical™, Fireside™, Fireside-X™, Lumina™ and Canadian Bud Collection™) and operating Harvest Medicine™, a successful independent clinic network focused on access, education and research,” said Barry Fishman, CEO. “I now believe that with the support of our dedicated and talented team, this is the optimal time to transition to a new CEO to elevate the Company to the next level.”
“It has been a truly unique experience being part of a brand-new industry in Canada,” said Paul Lucas, Chair of the Board. “Like any new industry the Cannabis business has seen no shortage of excitement and challenges. After six years on the board of VIVO, three as Chair, helping to guide it from start-up to a TSX listed operating company, it is an appropriate time to pass the torch to new leaders. I was very fortunate to have been part of a team of very capable and committed Board members, as well as our CEO, Barry Fishman.”
“The entire VIVO family would like to thank Paul and Barry for their strong leadership and commitment to the Company and wish them the best in their future endeavors,” commented Richard Fitzgerald, incoming Chair. “They both deserve recognition for their immense contributions, which I believe have strongly positioned VIVO for long-term profitable growth. I am very much looking forward to serving as Chair and interim CEO in the new year as we accelerate the path to positive cash flow.”
VIVO Cannabis™ is recognized for trusted, premium cannabis products and services. It holds production and sales licences from Health Canada and operates world-class indoor and seasonal airhouse cultivation facilities.
