A healthcare executive with 25 years’ experience, including more than a decade with the Royal Australasian College of Physicians, is to lead Cannabis Council Australia as its first chief executive.
Lisa Penlington served as executive general manager, member engagement and support during her last seven years as the RACP, which she joined in 2014 after 10 years with the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists.
Her career has spanned health policy, governance, and stakeholder engagement.
Penlington joins at a delicate time for the industry which is facing mounting pressure on a number of fronts, including from regulators and medical bodies.
Unlike others, the RACP has taken a supportive stance towards cannabis, and has called for the legalisation of personal use and possession in a “tightly controlled regulated market”.
Penlington said: “I’m very pleased to be stepping into this role at such a formative time for the medicinal cannabis industry.
“Australia took a careful path to legalisation, and the sector is growing rapidly. That brings real opportunity – and responsibility.
“My focus will be on building structure and strategy that support quality, safety, and sustainability along the supply chain, while working to dismantle the stigma that still surrounds medicinal cannabis.”
She said her priority will be meeting with industry stakeholders to “inform and guide Cannabis Council Australia’s strategic direction”.
“My experience in health has taught me that most stakeholders have more in common than not – and that every sector needs a forum to work those shared goals through,” Penlington said.
“That’s what Cannabis Council Australia offers this industry. I’m here to deliver on that promise with transparency, collaboration, and focus.”
The board of the Montu-backed CCA said the appointment brings “deep credibility and strong health sector experience to this role”.
“She has a clear track record of working across complex systems to achieve strategic reform, and she understands the unique challenges our sector faces,” it said in a statement.
“Her leadership will be instrumental in shaping the council into a long-term force for progress – across industry, health and government.”