| | TORONTO, June 23, 2020 -- MediPharm Labs Corp. (TSX: LABS) (OTCQX: MEDIF) (FSE:MLZ) (“MediPharm Labs” or the “Company”) a global leader in specialized, research-driven pharmaceutical-quality cannabis extraction, distillation and derivative products, is delighted to announce the appointment of Shelley Martin – former President and CEO of Nestl Canada and a consumer packaged goods industry top executive with an outstanding track record of success – to its Board of Directors effective immediately. This key appointment follows an extensive planning and search process.
Ms. Martin served in a variety of senior executive roles at Nestl Canada Inc. from 1990 until she retired after five years as President and Chief Executive Officer in 2018. During her time leading Nestl Canada, she drove a substantial increase in revenue, market share and profitability and transformed core business units and brands by introducing new formulas, packaging, pricing, global sources of supply and Lean (Six Sigma) tools. In 2018, Nestl Canada’s annual sales were approximately $2.6 billion. She began her career at General Mills Canada in 1985 and was named one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women by the Women’s Executive Network (WXN) in 2015, 2016 and 2018.
“Shelley is a proven leader with strong governance, strategic, operational and commercial skills that will be invaluable to our Board and to MediPharm Labs as we expand our global leadership in medicinal, wellness and adult-use cannabis markets,” said Pat McCutcheon, Chief Executive Officer, MediPharm Labs. “As we build our own portfolio of innovative brands and serve as a key partner to global pharmaceutical and consumer-packaged goods companies committed to entering the cannabis industry with new products, as well as other licensed cannabis companies looking to grow their market share, Shelley’s deep and broad expertise and connections will add new and vitally important dimensions to the governance of our business. We are delighted that she has chosen to join us.”
Governance Experience
Ms. Martin is a member of the Advisory Board of Moosehead Breweries as well as Crosby Molasses, and is a Director of Vineland Research and Innovation Centre, a leader in horticultural research and innovation. From 2016 to 2018, she served as Board Chair of Food & Consumer Products of Canada (FCPC), which represents more than 100 food, beverage, and consumer product manufacturers of all sizes. From 2013 to 2018, she was a Director of The Grocery Foundation, a not-for-profit organization that has raised over $90 million for student nutrition programs. Ms. Martin is a graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University (Bachelor of Business Administration) and earned the Institute of Corporate Directors ICD. D designation in 2016.
“MediPharm Labs has industry leading capabilities and talent, an impressive roster of enabling licenses – including a Research Licence for Human Administration Trials and Product Tasting of Cannabis – a credible plan for growth and the financial resources to execute its strategy,” said Ms. Martin. “Because it puts such a substantial emphasis on scientific research and consumer-driven innovation, and has internationally recognized GMP production credentials, I believe MediPharm Labs has what it takes to win over the world’s leading consumer packaged goods and pharmaceutical companies as they investigate the exciting opportunities available in the cannabis market. I look forward to participating in the development of this dedicated business.”
In connection with her appointment, the Company granted 300,000 options to Shelley Martin at an exercise price set as at the close of business on June 22, 2020. Each grant has a five-year term expiring June 22, 2025.
With Ms. Martin’s appointment, MediPharm Labs’ Board of Directors will consist of 7 members, 4 of whom are independent.
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