Marijuana Business Magazine March 2019

Marijuana Business Magazine | March 2019 126 C olorado-based Elixinol, a wholly owned subsidiary of Elixinol Global, appointed hemp expert and activist Joy Beckerman as regulatory officer and industry liaison. In that role, Beckerman, who is also vice president of the U.S. Hemp Authority, which created the first certification seal program for hemp industry Current Good Manufacturing Practices (see related story on page 96) and Good Agricultural Practices, will advise Elixinol’s executive team on hemp industry changes and ensure it meets hemp industry requirements and standards. For Beckerman, it’s a dream job that has her doing what she’s always done, but with people she’s known for years— including Elixinol co-founders Paul Benhaim (“he’s been a friend and colleague for years”) and Gabriel Ettenson (“we are kindred spirits and naturally became friends"). “My joining the Elixinol team was an organic evolution of like- minded people,” said Beckerman, whose accolades include the 2014 National Hemp Activist of the Year award from the Hemp Industries Association. Besides the people, Beckerman said the four main reasons she joined Elixinol were “compliance, quality, advocacy and education.” “Their focus on public education is simply stellar. It’s a dream job for a 25-year grassroots hemp activist like me,” she said. While Beckerman said she’ll be doing work already well within her wheelhouse, there will also be learning opportunities. “I’m excited to expand my knowledge surrounding the fascinating and growing body of research related to hemp extract and cannabidiol specifically,” she said. What does she hope to do while at Elixinol, a company that sells products in roughly 40 countries? “Educating the public and achieving common-sense, nonhysterical regulation of ingestible hemp products,” Beckerman said, adding: “In three to five, I hope to be able to say Elixinol continues to lead the way in innovation in the hemp industry.” Hemp Activist Beckerman Joins Elixinol Joy Beckerman A look at some recent hiring moves in the marijuana industry Industry Players | New Hires & Promotions   Charlotte’s Web Snares Former Coke Exec for Growth Post Boulder, Colorado-based Charlotte’s Web hired Eugenio Mendez to fill a new role at the business: chief growth officer. Mendez was most recently Coca-Cola’s vice president of global marketing of water, enhanced water and sport drinks, a division that had annual sales of $12 billion. Mendez has also served in an advisory role to Charlotte’s Web for nearly two years. As chief growth officer, he will lead business development, marketing and sales functions for the CBD manufacturer. Aphria CEO Plans to Leave Post Aphria CEO Vic Neufeld will step down after the Canadian company was forced to fend off a short attack and a hostile takeover. Neufeld’s planned departure follows a short-sellers’ report in early December claiming Aphria overpaid for assets in Latin America and the Caribbean, and that the assets are secretly controlled by “insiders” and ultimately worthless. Aphria, based in Leamington, Ontario, called the allegations “malicious.” Aphria is also the target of a hostile takeover attempt by Green Growth Brands. Neufeld said his decision had noth- ing to do with the short-sellers’ report. Dixie Taps Execs for CBD Brands Denver infused product maker Dixie Brands hired two executives for its CBD product lines, as well as a com- pany marketing specialist. Dixie hired Bob Rubin as the first president of Therabis, a CBD pet wellness line. Rubin has served as By Omar Sacirbey Joy Beckerman Courtesy Photo Eugenio Mendez Courtesy Photo