Medicinal Cannabis Industry Australia (MCIA) chair Peter Crock has stepped down with board director and Cann Group CEO Peter Koetsier appointed in his place.
Speaking at MCIA’s AGM today (Wednesday), Crock confirmed he will remain on the board to ensure a smooth transition and support the new chair, with the change effective immediately.
Koetsier, who also replaced Crock as Cann Group boss in January, boasts more than 30 years’ experience with global pharmaceutical companies and has held leadership positions on industry boards previously.
Crock said: “After seven long years in the pressure cooker of a nascent industry, I have decided it is the right time for me to hand the baton on.
“It has been an honour and a privilege to be at the forefront of such an important opportunity, to break the shackles and stigma of prohibition, and provide all-important access to effectively a new class of medicine in Australia and around the world.”
Koetsier added: “I’d like to acknowledge the valuable role Peter Crock has played in guiding this industry through its early years. Peter’s work to develop strong industry relationships with government representatives and departments has allowed MCIA to have a strong voice for change.
“He has led MCIA through a time of unprecedented growth in patient access and acceptance of our industry. I look forward to continuing the work to facilitate the growth, development and reputation of the medicinal cannabis industry.”
The news marks the end of an era for two of the sector’s representative bodies, coming two weeks after Australian Medicinal Cannabis Association (AMCA) chair Lucy Haslam stood down with Emily Rigby named as her replacement.