SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA: Cann Group Limited (ASX: CAN) announced that Peter Koetsier has been appointed to the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and will commence in the role on January 16, 2023.

Peter Koetsier will replace Peter Crock, who was appointed on April 19, 2016 and announced on October 24, 2022 that he would be stepping down as CEO of the Company.

Mr Koetsier brings to Cann Group more than 30 years of general management, marketing and commercial leadership roles within global pharmaceutical companies. He has most recently been Head of Asia Pacific for French biopharmaceutical company, Ipsen, where he developed and led the implementation of a successful growth strategy which included the commercial launch of new brands.

Previous roles include General Manager of Australia/New Zealand (Ipsen) and senior management positions with Astra/Zeneca, UK, and Bristol-Myers Squibb in Europe.

Mr Koetsier has a bachelor’s degree in science (pharmacology, immunology) and a diploma in education (science, biology) from Monash University and is a graduate of the INSEAD CEDEP General Management Program.

Cann Group Chairman, Allan McCallum AO, said Mr Koetsier’s appointment followed an extensive search process which identified a number of very strong candidates for the Cann CEO role.

“Peter is an experienced pharma industry executive with an established track record of driving strong revenue growth in complex and changing environments. His experience and skills are ideally suited to the needs of Cann and to meeting the opportunities that continue to develop within the medicinal cannabis industry.”

Mr Koetsier said he is looking forward to commencing in his new role. “I have a strong interest in new therapeutic areas and see tremendous potential for medicinal cannabis. Cann Group has established a genetics and production/manufacturing base that is world class. The opportunity, now, is to capitalise on those assets and drive profitable growth.”

Peter Crock also welcomed Mr Koetsier’s appointment and as previously announced, will be available to assist in a smooth transition.