Bhang Inc (CSE:BHNG, OTCQB:BHNGF) said it has announced the resignation of its president, CEO, and board member, Jamie L Pearson, who has been with the company since 2015 and has served as president and CEO of the award-winning cannabis brand since 2019.
Under Pearson's leadership, Bhang transformed from a California favourite into a global cannabis household name. She launched the brand into six US states including a multi-state deal with Trulieve Cannabis Corp and ushered Bhang into Canada where it has been the top-selling cannabis-infused chocolate for over two years.
Fluent in German, Pearson also expanded the CBD division into nine European countries, further amplifying the brand's reach. Twice named to High Times' list of most influential women in cannabis, Pearson secured celebrity partnerships for Bhang with Cypress Hill, DJ Muggs, the Soul Assassins, Jim Belushi and The Blues Brothers.
READ: Bhang launches High Roller nano-infused pre-roll
Pearson said her tenure at Bhang has been unbelievably rewarding.
“I've had the pleasure of meeting and working with so many incredible people and feel overwhelming gratitude for all the success I experienced. It is a testament to the strength of what Bhang's founders built and the passion, dedication, and inspired work of our team day in day out,” she said.
“As Bhang has grown, my vision has not been consistent with that of our largest shareholder. As such, it is time for me to move on. I leave extremely proud of what I accomplished and want to thank those in the organization who supported me," Pearson said.
Board chair Graham Simmonds said: "Jamie's dogged persistence and transformational work will outlast her. We respect her decision and wish her much success in the future. As an active board member over the past two years, I have been closely involved with the company and its management, and this will allow me to guide the company forward as we seek to find a replacement CEO."
A search for Pearson's replacement is expected to begin shortly. In the meantime, Simmonds will assume the role of interim CEO. Simmonds is also chair of Plant-Based Investment Corp, Bhang's largest shareholder. In addition to holding multiple board seats on Canadian-listed publicly traded companies, Simmonds is also an experienced CEO and entrepreneur.
For over a decade Bhang has delivered sensory experiences to consumers through its portfolio of over 50 master chef created cannabis, CBD and terpene products including gourmet chocolates, Bhang High Roller Pre-Roll and Hempsticks.
Bhang's chocolates are among the top-selling edibles in seven US states and Canada. Bhang's CBD products are globally distributed and are known for being safe, efficacious and delicious.
Contact the author at susie@proactiveinvestors.com