AusCann appoints global pharma executive as new CEO

The board of medicinal cannabis company AusCann has announced the appointment of global pharmaceutical business executive Ido Kanyon as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), commencing 22 May.

Kanyon began his career working in agriculture research and agritech R&D, before joining a publicly traded medical device start-up covering R&D, intellectual property and business development. Since then he has gained more than 15 years’ senior executive experience in the pharmaceutical industry — most recently at generic pharmaceutical company Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, which also specialised in the development and commercialisation of active pharmaceutical ingredients and specialty proprietary medicines.

Kanyon served as the Global Head of Specialty Pipeline, Global Marketing and Portfolio at Teva headquarters in the US, where he was responsible for the company’s specialty medicine portfolio with the goal of maximising the value of the company’s R&D investment on innovative medicines. Formerly, he served as a global commercial senior director for Teva’s respiratory business.

Before his commercial tenure at Teva, Kanyon’s expertise in operational excellence across multiple R&D and manufacturing pharmaceutical technologies allowed him to design and implement best-in-class industry standards to transform Teva’s operational performance in sites across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and the Middle East. Previously, he held several quality assurance and regulatory affairs leadership roles at Teva.

“Our extensive executive search generated an impressive field of candidates and Ido stood out for his leadership acumen and track record of commercial achievements throughout his career,” said AusCann Chairman Dr Mal Washer.

“Ido is very highly regarded in the pharmaceutical industry and, having worked both for start-ups and for one of the largest pharmaceutical firms worldwide, he understands AusCann’s start-up origins and where the firm is headed. We are confident that his experience, energy and drive will successfully lead AusCann into its next phase of growth as a pharmaceutical development, sales and marketing business.”

“I am absolutely delighted to be appointed as AusCann’s CEO during this exciting time,” Kanyon said. “Medicinal cannabis will have an ever-increasing presence in health care as a credible treatment for chronic pain and additional indications with unmet medical needs. I believe there is a unique opportunity to place patients, physicians and caregivers at the centre of our mission.

“I am excited by AusCann’s commitment to deliver with the highest standards of quality, innovation and trust. I would like to thank the board for their appointment and look forward to working with the incredibly talented team already in place.

“AusCann has everything in place to achieve a leading position in the rapidly growing field of medical cannabis, and to capitalise on the excellent work done under the leadership of Ms Elaine Darby and interim CEO Dr Paul MacLeman. We have a promising future ahead of us and we will make sure to deliver sustained value for our investors, customers and employees.”

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/Africa Studio

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