Canopy Growth’s Bruce Linton stepping down as co-CEO, board member

By The Canadian Press

Canopy Growth Corp. announced Wednesday that Bruce Linton is stepping down as co-chief executive and as a board member, effective immediately.

The cannabis company said Mark Zekulin will become the sole CEO and will work with the board to begin a search to find a new leader to guide the company in its next phase.

Linton, who also stepped down as chairman and a director of Canopy Rivers Inc., has been the public face of the company as it has grown into a leader in the cannabis industry.

“Creating Canopy Growth began with an abandoned chocolate factory and a vision,” Linton said in a statement. “The board decided today, and I agreed, my turn is over.”

Linton noted that he had “full confidence in the team at Canopy.”

Zekulin said Canopy will never be the same without Linton.

“I personally remain committed to a successful transition over the coming year as we begin a process to identify new leadership that will drive our collective vision forward,” he said.

“I know the company will continue to thrive as the Canopy story continues on for years to come.”

As part of the change, Rade Kovacevic, who has been leading the company’s Canadian operations and recreational strategy, was named president.

The board also appointed John Bell to replace Linton as chairman. Bell has served on the board as lead director for five years.

Canopy was founded in 2013 and recently received a $5 billion investment from Constellation Brands, the massive alcohol company.

Constellation Brands said last week that it was “not pleased” with Canopy’s recent year-end results as it recorded a loss in its own financial first quarter in connection with its stake in the Canadian cannabis company.

Canopy reported a wider-than-expected fourth-quarter net loss attributable to shareholders of $335.6 million or 98 cents per share, despite a jump in net revenue to $94.1 million that beat market estimates.

In reporting the results, Linton said Canopy invested heavily during the quarter for longer-term growth, such as boosting its production capacity and preparing for the launch of edibles and other next-generation pot products once legal later this year.

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