Cannabis Movers & Shakers: MPXI, Benzinga, RespireRx, MedMen, Medipharm

Here comes another Tuesday, with the latest updates on leaderhip changes within the cannabis industry.

MPXI Part Ways With David McLaren, Appoints Interim CFO

MPX International Corp. MPXI, which recently partnered with Medical Cannabis by Shoppers Drug Mart Inc. to develop clinical services for Shopper Drug Mart’s patients, has parted ways with David McLaren, who served as CFO.

The decision is effective July 31.

The Toronto-based company tapped Jonathan Chu to replace McLaren in the position as interim CFO.

MPXI chief executive W. Scott Boyes thanked McLaren for his contributions, adding that Chu “will succeed in shepherding MPXI’s finance and accounting functions.”

Chu has been with MPXI since February 2019.

Canopy Growth Corp.'s Sol Clahane Joins Benzinga Cannabis Advisory Council

Benzinga tapped Sol Clahane, Canopy Growth Corp.'s CGC vice president and general manager for the U.S. region, for its Benzinga Cannabis Advisory Council.

The Detroit-based financial news and data company also welcomed SLANG Worldwide's President and CEO Chris Driessen to the council.

Both appointments come ahead of Benzinga's Virtual event scheduled to take place on August 18.

Clahane supervises Canopy Commercial operations and brands within the U.S. market, as well as sales strategies and business development.

Prior to that, Clahane served in U.S. Chains for Pernod-Ricard as Vice President and General Manager.

She also worked with a number of non-profit organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club of America and Safe Haven Women's Shelter, to name a few.

Clahane is "thrilled" to stand in front of Canopy Growth and to work with an "impressive group of industry peers."

Benzinga Cannabis Managing Director and El Planteo CEO Javier Hasse stated he "can't wait to see what comes out of adding such a great mind to the organization."

Patrick Lane, Benzinga's Senior Vice President of Partnerships, said that Benzinga Cannabis Advisory Council is becoming a "central institution in the cannabis industry," as it continues to grow, striving for "diversity."

RespireRx Confirms Tim Jones As President And CEO

Biopharmaceutical company RespireRx Pharmaceuticals Inc. RSPI disclosed that Tim Jones, who joined its board on January 28, will serve as its President and CEO for the next three years.

Jones transitioned from the three-months long provisional period to the long-term phase of the employment contract on July 31, the company noted Monday.

This transition is “an expression of my belief in the value of the assets, the synergies of working with the other members of the management team,” stated Jones.

Jones has a vast experience in the strategic development and growth within the pharmaceutical industry.

He also served as Vice President of Global Pharmaceutical and Medical OTC at Purisys LLC and as Vice President, Business Development-Global Cannabinoids Portfolio at Noramco Inc.

Dr. Lippa, Executive Chairman, and CSO said she is “thrilled” and “excited to continue working in partnership” with Jones.

16-Year NBA Player Al Harrington Joins MedMen’s Board

MedMen Enterprises Inc. MMEN MMNFF said Tuesday that Viola Inc.’s founder Al Harrington joined its board of directors.

Ben Rose, MedMen’s Executive Chairman, noted they are “pleased” with the addition of the former NBA player in its ranks.

Harrington is also the founder of Harrington Wellness, a company with a focus on non-psychoactive cannabinoid products.

During his 16 seasons as a professional basketball player, Harrington played for the Atlanta Hawks, Indiana Pacers, the Golden State Warriors, and the New York Knicks, to name a few.

Harrington disclosed that his “goal is to continue to advance core values of minority representation and purpose into MedMen’s vision,” in order to set “new industry standards,” and achieve “broader diversity and inclusion.”

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles-based company launched its fifth retail location in Florida on Thursday.

Medipharm Names Chris Halyk To Its Board

Pharmaceutical company MediPharm Labs Corp. LABS MEDIF MLZ welcomed Chris Halyk to its board of directors.

Recall how the Toronto-based company, which has been ramping up toward international expansion, recently appointed former Nestlé Canada's President and CEO Shelley Martin and appointment of BMO Capital's COO Chris Taves.

Halyk is the former President of Janssen Inc., which is under the helm of Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson. He brings 35 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry.

Halyk also served as Board Chair for Rx&D for a year.

MediPharm Labs' CEO Pat McCutcheon praised Halyk, pointing out they "have set very high standards for membership on our Board."

Halyk said Tuesday, he is looking toward "participating actively" in MediPharm Labs' development, highlighting it is a company that is "putting all the right pieces in place for the long term, global success."

Meantime, MediPharm recently confirmed it would participate in a blockchain project focused on tracing medical cannabis products from seed to sale.