Cronos Group is an innovative global cannabinoid company
With international production and distribution across five continents. Cronos Group is committed to building disruptive intellectual property by advancing cannabis research, technology and product development. With a passion to responsibly elevate the consumer experience, Cronos Group is building an iconic brand portfolio. Cronos Group’s portfolio includes PEACE NATURALS™, a global wellness platform, two adult-use brands, COVE™ and Spinach™, and three hemp-derived CBD brands, Lord Jones™, Happy Dance™ and PEACE+™.
Our management team comprises experts in their fields, with a goal to establish the most valuable international cannabis company. They are passionate, daring people, driven by quality and integrity, who are determined to write history, not read about it.
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Kurt Schmidt
Xiuming Shum
Jerry Barbato
Shannon Buggy
Todd Abraham
Summer Frein
Jeff Jacobson
Anna Shlimak
Kurt Schmidt
President & Chief Executive Officer
Kurt Schmidt serves as Cronos Group’s President and Chief Executive Officer. Before joining the Company, Kurt served as director and Chief Executive Officer of Blue Buffalo Company, Ltd. from 2012 through 2016. Prior to joining Blue Buffalo, Kurt was Deputy Executive Vice President at Nestlé S.A., where he was responsible for the Nestlé Nutrition, including several science-oriented and heavily regulated businesses. He also served as a member of the Company’s Executive Committee. Kurt joined Nestlé in 2007 as part of its acquisition of Gerber Products from Novartis, where he was the President and Chief Executive Officer of Gerber Products Company from 2004 to 2007. Prior to Gerber, Kurt held a variety of leadership roles at Kraft Foods, Inc. Kurt currently serves on the Board of Campbell Soup Company. He received a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the United States Naval Academy and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Chicago.
Mike GorensteinExecutive Chairman
Mike Gorenstein serves as Cronos Group’s Executive Chairman. In addition, Mr. Gorenstein is a Co-Founder and passive Member of Gotham Green Partners. Mr. Gorenstein is also a Non-Executive Director of Cronos Australia and sits on the Board of Directors for Natuera. Before joining the Company, Mr. Gorenstein was the Vice President and General Counsel at Alphabet Partners, LP, a New York City based multi-strategy investment management firm, focused on identifying mispriced assets across various industries, asset classes and geographies. Prior to Alphabet Partners, LP, he was a corporate attorney at Sullivan & Cromwell LLP, where he focused on mergers and acquisitions and capital markets transactions. Mr. Gorenstein graduated from the University of Pennsylvania Law School with a Juris Doctor, the Wharton School at University of Pennsylvania with a certificate in Business Economics and Public Policy and the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University with a Bachelor of Science Business in Finance.
Kurt SchmidtPresident & Chief Executive Officer
Kurt Schmidt serves as Cronos Group’s President and Chief Executive Officer. Before joining the Company, Kurt served as director and Chief Executive Officer of Blue Buffalo Company, Ltd. from 2012 through 2016. Prior to joining Blue Buffalo, Kurt was Deputy Executive Vice President at Nestlé S.A., where he was responsible for the Nestlé Nutrition, including several science-oriented and heavily regulated businesses. He also served as a member of the Company’s Executive Committee. Kurt joined Nestlé in 2007 as part of its acquisition of Gerber Products from Novartis, where he was the President and Chief Executive Officer of Gerber Products Company from 2004 to 2007. Prior to Gerber, Kurt held a variety of leadership roles at Kraft Foods, Inc. Kurt currently serves on the Board of Campbell Soup Company. He received a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the United States Naval Academy and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Chicago.
James RudykLead Director, Audit Committee Chair, Compensation Committee
James Rudyk is currently the Chief Financial Officer of Roots Corporation ("Roots"), a position he has held since January 2016. Mr. Rudyk is a seasoned executive with more than 25 years of financial and operational experience, and a track record of supporting ambitious growth plans. Prior to joining Roots, Mr. Rudyk served as the Chief Financial Officer of Shred-It International Inc. from 2009 to 2015, where he was instrumental in helping the company grow from approximately $200 million to over $700 million in revenue and expand to more than 17 countries around the world. He also served as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer of Canada Cartage Systems Limited from 2004 to 2009. He received his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Accounting degree from the University of Waterloo. Mr. Rudyk is also a Chartered Professional Accountant and holds an ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors.
Jason AdlerIndependent Director, Compensation Committee
Jason Adler is the Founder and Managing Partner of Gotham Green Partners GP ("Gotham Green"), the General Partner of Gotham Green Fund 1, LP, a private equity firm focused primarily on early-stage investing in companies in the cannabis industry. Prior to founding Gotham Green, Mr. Adler was the Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Alphabet Ventures, LLC, a New York based volatility fund, that focused on identifying mispriced assets across various industries, asset classes and geographies. Mr. Adler also founded Geronimo, LLC, a broker dealer and member of the American Stock Exchange, and he began his career as a Market Maker at G&D Trading. Mr. Adler graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Rhode Island.
Kevin Crosthwaite
Kevin "K.C." Crosthwaite, Jr. serves as Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy and Growth Officer at Altria. In this role, Mr. Crosthwaite identifies and pursues Altria’s strategic and innovative product growth priorities. Since joining Philip Morris USA in 1997, Mr. Crosthwaite has held several leadership positions across Altria’s family of companies, including President and Chief Executive Officer for Philip Morris USA, where he oversaw operations for Philip Morris USA and John Middleton, as well as Vice President, Strategy and Business Development, and Vice President & General Manager at Marlboro. Mr. Crosthwaite also led Altria Ventures’ international efforts with innovative tobacco products. Mr. Crosthwaite currently serves on the Board of Directors for United Negro College Fund and the Richmond Forum. Mr. Crosthwaite received his Bachelor of Arts from Marquette University and his Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Providence College.
Bronwen Evans
Bronwen Evans is an independent consultant drawing on 20 years of experience in the charitable, corporate and government sectors to provide clients with business development and brand strategies for transformational growth. Ms. Evans was a Founding Director of the True Patriot Love Foundation, where she served as its first CEO from 2012 to 2019 and raised record funds to support 25,000 Canadian military and veteran families. Before that, Ms. Evans was the Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Affairs at Medcan Health Management, and became the company’s first Chief Privacy Officer. She is a recipient of The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012) and currently serves as Director, Secretary and Chair of the Governance Committee of Kingsway College School. Ms. Evans holds a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy with Honors from McGill University, and a Master of Arts in Philosophy with a concentration in Biomedical Ethics from Carleton University.
Murray Garnick
Murray Garnick serves as Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Altria. In his role since 2017, he leads the company’s Law Department, Regulatory Affairs and Regulatory Sciences. Mr. Garnick previously served as Deputy General Counsel for Altria Client Services, a subsidiary of Altria, which provides professional services and support to Altria and its operating companies. At Altria, Mr. Garnick has led the legal support for sales, marketing, regulation, and product development and intellectual property matters. He has also supervised the management of tobacco, health and all other litigations brought against Altria and its operating companies. Prior to joining Altria in 2008 as Senior Vice President, Litigation and Associate General Counsel, Mr. Garnick served for more than two decades as a senior litigation partner at the law firm of Arnold & Porter in Washington, D.C. and currently serves on the Board of Trustees of Newseum in Washington, D.C. Mr. Garnick received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Georgia and his Juris Doctor (JD) from the University of Georgia School of Law.
Bruce Gates
Bruce Gates is a Founding Partner of Three Oaks Strategies LLC, a management, policy and communications consulting firm based in Alexandria, Virginia. He is also the founding partner of Three Oaks Asset Management LLC, a family office/venture capital firm. Prior to his retirement from Altria in November 2017, Mr. Gates served as a Senior Vice President of External Affairs for Altria Client Services. In his role, he led the Government Affairs and Corporate Affairs departments and directed the company’s strategies involving governments, corporate communications, philanthropic programs and corporate social responsibility. Before assuming that role in 2011, Mr. Gates was Altria’s Senior Vice President of Government Affairs. He currently serves on the board of a private company, Aliro, and also on a number of non-profit boards, including The Boulder Crest Retreat for Wounded Warriors and Veteran Wellness, D.C. Sail, and the Congressional Institute. Recently, he joined the Board of Trustees for the Ford’s Theatre. Mr. Gates received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Georgia.
David HsuChief Operating Officer
David oversees all of Cronos Group’s operations including construction, cultivation and manufacturing as Chief Operating Officer. David is focused on continuous improvement by testing and integrating new technologies and automation to establish best practices in the cannabis industry. Prior to joining Cronos Group, David spent over ten years consulting with Deloitte and CRG Partners, a premier turnaround consulting firm, where he operated and managed distressed companies with revenues more than $500M. His expertise includes financial and operational restructuring, growth creation, and lean manufacturing gleaned from experience working in various sectors including consumer packaged goods, manufacturing, distribution, media, and transportation. David graduated from Babson College with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and is a certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt.
William HilsonChief Commercial Officer
William is responsible for further enhancing the commercial strategy of Cronos Group as well as the product and research development priorities of the company. Prior to joining Cronos Group, William was the President of Hillhurst Management Inc. and CFO for EMD Inc. and Serono Canada Inc. and Director of Finance for Hemosol Inc. William’s specialty is in pharmaceuticals with a proven track record of driving business objectives and growth, increasing efficiencies, overseeing clinical programs and product launch activities and increasing profit. William graduated from the University of Western Ontario with an Honors Bachelor of Science in Molecular Genetics, from the University of Toronto with a Master of Science Clinical Biochemistry. His academic work has been published internationally. William was a member of the Board of Directors of EMD Inc., Canada and EMD Crop Bioscience and he is a member of Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada.
Jerry BarbatoChief Financial Officer
Jerry is responsible for overseeing all aspects of Finance, Procurement and Human Resources. Jerry brings more than 20 years of experience in strategic planning, corporate financial analysis and services, and brand management. Prior to joining Cronos Group, Jerry held various roles within the Altria Group, Inc. family of companies. Jerry joined Altria in 2003 and served in leadership roles within the Finance, Strategy & Business Development and Marketing functions, and most recently held the role of Senior Director of Corporate Strategy. He has broad experience in both finance and operating roles, as well as managing operations in regulated international markets. Jerry supported the Marlboro brand and provided analysis that shaped brand strategies for Altria’s established brand portfolio. He also served as Assistant General Manager for a joint venture, Richmark GmbH, in Zurich, Switzerland. Jerry holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Marquette University and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Maryland, University College.
Xiuming ShumExecutive Vice President, Legal and Regulatory Affairs
Xiuming manages all legal and regulatory affairs at Cronos Group, which informs the company’s strategy and execution. She also serves as the Company’s Corporate Secretary. Xiuming has a decade of transactional and in-house experience in mergers and acquisitions and regulatory change management. Prior to joining Cronos Group, Xiuming served as in-house counsel at BNP Paribas’ Corporate and Institutional Banking division in New York and London, where she provided advice to senior management on disruptive and transformative legislative changes, such as the BASEL banking reforms, Brexit, and the Dodd-Frank Act. Previously, she was a corporate attorney at Sullivan & Cromwell LLP in New York, where she focused on M&A in large, complex cross-border transactions in diverse industries, including alcohol and spirits, insurance, banking, private equity, and hedge funds. Xiuming is a New York-qualified attorney, holding a Juris Doctor (JD) from Columbia Law School where she was a Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar and a first-class Bachelor of Laws degree from University College London in the U.K.
Shannon BuggySenior Vice President, Global Head of People
Shannon serves as the SVP, Global Head of People for Cronos Group where she leads HR strategy across the Company’s global operations. Prior to Cronos Group, Shannon was the Senior Vice President of Global Human Resources for Nielsen where she led HR strategy for Nielsen Media. With over 25 years of experience, Shannon has a proven track record of leading and managing global human resources teams and driving excellence in talent acquisition, development, retention, employee relations, compensation, benefits, talent management and labor relations. Shannon holds a certification as a Senior Professional in Human Resources from the HR Certification Institute. She graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Resources Management from the Pace University, Lubin School of Business.
Kevin GiffordVice President of Finance
Kevin is a leading member of Cronos Group’s Corporate Finance team, he focuses on both internal and external reporting as well as advises the operations and financial functions within the company. He has over 15 years of experiences in multiple industries, including consumer products, business services, retail and technology. Prior to joining Cronos Group, Kevin held a range of diverse investment roles at several private equity firms, as well as the Americas Special Situations Group at Goldman Sachs & Co., where he originated and executed transactions across the entire capital structure for middle-market companies. Additionally, Kevin worked in Deloitte’s Corporate Restructuring Group, where he improved performance of distressed companies in an interim C-level management or financial advisory capacity. Kevin holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Michigan.
Eric KleinHead of Marketing
Eric oversees Cronos Group’s marketing initiatives including brands, product innovation and consumer insights. Eric has spent a decade in brand management across several consumer-packaged goods companies. Prior to joining Cronos Group, Eric oversaw strategy and innovation for the Water+ portfolio at PepsiCo working across several brands including Aquafina. He began his career at Mondelez working on Chips Ahoy! and Oreo before joining Chobani, where he developed and grew the Flip business by 400 percent. Eric graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration from Emory University with high honors and earned his Master of Business Administration (MBA) from University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
Jeff JacobsonGeneral Manager, Canada and Europe
As General Manager of Canada and Europe, Jeff is responsible for implementing and defining the strategy and execution across all areas of the Canadian and European business including sales, marketing and manufacturing operations. Prior to joining Cronos Group, Jeff founded a Toronto based marketing agency and successfully launched and licensed several innovative software products in the mobile industry. As a co-founder of Peace Naturals, Jeff’s expertise and experience in licensing and compliance, new business development, project management and resource management help Cronos Group lead in domestic and international markets.
Anna ShlimakSenior Vice President, Corporate Affairs
Anna is Cronos Group’s Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs and is responsible for managing and directing the organization's internal and external communications, government affairs, corporate strategy and investor relations. Prior to joining Cronos Group, Anna was the Head of Investor Relations at Quest Partners LLC, a research-driven alternative investment firm. Anna was responsible for business development, investor reporting, marketing and communication initiatives for the fund. Previously, Anna held a range of diverse roles at the New York Stock Exchange in both the New York and London offices. Most recently, Anna was Head of Investor Relations within the Corporate Affairs Group, where she was responsible for managing relationships with investors and sell-side analysts and developing investor communications and reporting. She received a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Columbia Business School and holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
Dr. Todd K. AbrahamChief Innovation Officer
Dr. Todd K. Abraham is Cronos Group’s Chief Innovation Officer. Prior to joining the Company, Dr. Abraham was Senior Vice President of Research and Nutrition for Mondelēz International (formally Kraft Foods), and was responsible for worldwide technology development and strategy, scientific screening, nutritional science and communication, consumer guidance testing, analytical programs, R&D training and intellectual property strategy for a $35 billion multi-national business. Prior to Mondelēz, Dr. Abraham served in various R&D, technology, marketing and product development roles for The Pillsbury Company and Procter & Gamble. Dr. Abraham received his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry at Brown University and his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Chemistry from the University of Pennsylvania and his Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Strategic Planning from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
Robert RosenheckChief Executive Officer, Redwood
Robert Rosenheck is the Chief Executive Officer of Redwood, a hemp-derived CBD brand and products platform. In his role, Robert oversees Cronos Group’s operations, marketing and brand strategy for the U.S. hemp-derived CBD market. Robert is also co-founder of the Lord Jones™ brand, which was the first hemp-derived CBD brand to be sold at both Sephora and SoulCycle. Prior to launching Lord Jones™, Robert was a partner at CAPOBIANCO, a Los Angeles-based creative agency specializing in launching and growing innovative brands. His past clients include General Mills, Sony Music, Puma, Credit Suisse, Paramount Pictures and Random House Publishing Group. Robert received his Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Communications from the University of Pennsylvania.
Summer FreinGeneral Manager, USA
As the General Manager of Cronos Group, USA, Summer is responsible for implementing and defining the strategy and execution across all areas of the U.S. hemp-derived CBD business including sales strategy, marketing and operations. Summer Frein joined Cronos Group in January 2020 as the Vice President, U.S. Head of Sales of Redwood. Prior to joining Cronos Group, Summer held a variety of senior leadership roles over the course of 14 years in sales, digital strategy, marketing, and strategy and business development at Altria Group, Inc. In 2018, she led the cannabis research investment strategy in the Strategy and Business Development Group at Altria. Since joining Cronos Group, Summer has been responsible for leading Cronos Group’s U.S. brand sales operations, including building and managing brand and retail partnerships for the Lord Jones™ brand. Summer has a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) from McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin.
Large_Logo_1_Cronos_Group.pngCronos Fermentation
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Cronos Fermentation is a GMP-standard fermentation and manufacturing facility in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The state-of-the-art facility includes fully equipped laboratories covering microbiology, organic and analytical chemistry, quality control and method development as well as two large-scale microbial fermentation production areas, three downstream processing plants, and bulk product and packaging capabilities. The facility is expected to provide the fermentation and manufacturing capabilities we need in order to capitalize on the progress underway with Ginkgo, by enabling us to produce the target cannabinoids contemplated under the Ginkgo Collaboration Agreement at commercial scale with high quality and high purity.
3_Cronos_Fermentation_opt.jpg1technionogbcLarge_Logo_3_OGBC.pngOkanagan Valley, British Columbia
Original BC is a license holder under the Canadian Cannabis Act and is located in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley. Known for producing some of Canada’s best cannabis, this facility leverages the reputation of the Okanagan Valley. OGBC is focused on small-batch and craft cannabis production, perfected by our team of experts.
Main_Image_3_OGBC.jpg2cfpnLarge_Logo_2_Peace_Naturals.pngStayner, Ontario
Cronos Group’s center of excellence, Peace Naturals Campus, is a license holder under the Canadian Cannabis Act and a hub for the company’s production and research and development. The campus’ state-of-the-art indoor production facilities and manufacturing facilities serve as a home for research and development in plant genetics, grow methodologies, extraction and product formulation. Peace Naturals develops industry-leading best practices, which are utilized throughout Cronos Group’s global network of production facilities. Peace Naturals production processes are Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) certified.2_Peace_Naturals.jpg3ogbcredwoodhttps://www.peacenaturals.com/Large_Logo_16_Redwood.pngLos Angeles, California
Redwood is a hemp-derived CBD brand and products platform headquartered in Los Angeles, California. Redwood oversees Cronos Group’s operations, marketing and brand strategy for the U.S. hemp-derived CBD market. Redwood currently supports two hemp-derived CBD brands, Lord Jones™ and PEACE+™.
16Redwood.jpg4pncronos_growCoLarge_Logo_6_Cronos_GrowCo.pngKingsville, Canada
Cronos Group established a joint venture with a group of investors led by Bert Mucci, owner and operator of Mucci Farms, one of the most sophisticated greenhouse growers in North America. The Kingsville region is home to the largest concentration of greenhouses in North America and is commonly referred to as the “Sun Parlor,” since the area boasts one of the warmest climates in Canada. Cronos GrowCo is in the process of constructing a custom-built greenhouse designed to meet GAP and GMP requirements.
Main_Image_6_Cronos_GrowCo.jpg5redwoodcronos_israelLarge_Logo_4_Cronos_Israel.pngGan Shmuel, Israel
Cronos Group established a joint venture with Kibbutz Gan Shmuel, a commercial kibbutz and food company. Gan Shmuel exports to 35 countries across Europe and Asia, through Gan Shmuel Foods Ltd., and has over 1,000 agriculturally skilled kibbutz members who live on-site. Commencement of operations in Israel is subject to receiving the appropriate final cannabis cultivation and production licenses from the Israeli Ministry of Health and the cultivation and manufacturing facilities are expected to become operational in phases during 2020.
6_Cronos_Israel.jpg6cronos_growComed_menLarge_Logo_8_MedMen.pngCanada
Cronos Group has established a joint venture with MedMen, one of the most recognized cannabis retail brands, to create MedMen Canada. This partnership holds the exclusive license to the MedMen™ brand in Canada.
Main_Image_8_MedMen.jpg7cronos_israelnatuera_newnatuera_new.pngCundinamarca, Colombia
Cronos Group established a joint venture with Agroidea (AGI) to create NatuEra, the cannabis industry’s first Contract Manufacturing Organization (CMO) in LATAM. As a CMO, NatuEra intends to allow the growing number of cannabis brands worldwide to outsource their development, cultivation, and/or manufacturing activities. NatuEra is expected to be the hub and platform through which Cronos Group will access the Latin American market. NatuEra holds licenses to cultivate non-psychoactive cannabis plants and manufacture derivative products, including for export. Construction of the GMP-standard facility has commenced, and construction is anticipated to be completed in 2020, subject to obtaining the relevant permits and other customary approvals.
natuera_bg.jpg8med_mencdlhttps://natuera.com/Large_Logo_1_Cronos_Group.pngCronos Research Labs
Bet Shemesh, Israel
Cronos Research Labs is Cronos Group’s Israel-based global research and development center for innovation. The state-of-the-art facility is equipped with advanced technology and analytical testing infrastructure and is home to an experienced team of scientific talent. The Cronos Research Labs team is comprised of scientific researchers, mechanical, electrical and software engineers, and analytical and formulation scientists. Cronos Group engages in both understanding the fundamental science behind the interactions of cannabinoids with each other and how those interactions can be leveraged to best deliver on the consumer’s needs.
5_Cronos_Device_Labs_opt.jpg9natuera_newginkgo_bioworksLarge_Logo_13_GinkgoBioworks.png
Cronos Group entered into a landmark partnership to produce cultured cannabinoids at scale with Ginkgo Bioworks. Using biosynthesis as the means of production, Cronos Group and Ginkgo Bioworks will reduce the cost of pure cannabinoid production, create commercial scale and the ability to access rare cannabinoids, which are key to product differentiation and innovation. Cronos Group will have the exclusive right to use and commercialize the key patented intellectual property related to the production of the target cannabinoids perpetually and globally.
Main_Image_13_GinkgoBioworks.jpg10cdltechnionhttps://www.ginkgobioworks.com/Large_Logo_12_Technion.pngHaifa, Israel
Together with The Technion Research and Development Foundation, Cronos Group will explore the use of cannabinoids in regulating skin health and skin disorders. The research will utilize Technion’s cannabis strain database of over 80 cultivars and Cronos Group’s strain-specific cannabis oils to isolate and investigate the effects of individual and combinations of cannabinoids, for treatment of acne, psoriasis, and skin repair.
Main_Image_12_Technion.jpg11ginkgo_bioworkscfhttps://www.technion.ac.il/en/home-2/