Cann Group chairman Allan McCallum will retire from the board in Q1 FY24, the company has announced, with non-executive director Dr Julian Chick appointed deputy chairman with immediate effect.
McCallum, who has spent nine years at Cann, said it was important for the company to keep evolving as it moves into the commercial stage of its existence.
“As the business scales production and continues the transition to a commercial focus in specialised and highly regulated markets, it is important that we have the expertise and experience at management and board level to support the growth strategy,” he said.
“The capabilities of our new management team are closely aligned with the needs of the business and Julian’s appointment signals that we will continue that renewal process at board level.
“The company is in a great position and in good hands for the future.”
Dr Chick, who has experience in the biotechnology, medical technology and investment banking sectors, was appointed to the Cann board in October 2022
Acknowledging McCallum’s contribution, he said: “This is a pivotal time in Cann’s growth journey. We have laid the foundations with the state-of-the-art Mildura GMP facility and we are now focused on accelerating the scaling of production and commercialisation.
“I look forward to continuing to support the company through this important transition point and I’m confident that we have the skill-set both at management and board level to support the business’s evolving needs.”
Medcan
Medcan has announced more than 5,000 patients have benefitted from its medicinal cannabis compassionate access program since the scheme launched in 2020.
Administered by clinic network Cann I Help, the firm said the program – which sees eligible patients receive product subsidies of up to 50% – has funded patients to the tune of A$1.6 million over the last three years.
Medcan co-founder Gareth Ball said: “We don’t want any patients to be unable to access medicinal cannabis on cost grounds.
“The compassionate access program is our way of offering a helping hand and it makes a significant difference to so many people’s lives.”
AusCann
Former MGC Pharmaceuticals chairman Brett Mitchell has joined AusCann board as an independent non-executive director.
Mitchell has been involved in the founding, financing and management of several companies in the tech and life sciences sectors, including MGC and Levin Health.
His appointment has seen the exit of Chris Mews as AusCann’s executive director although he will remain the firm’s chief financial officer.
AusCann said Mitchell’s appointment will bring corporate experience of medicinal cannabis to the company.
