GoodLeaf beefs up its executive team

GoodLeaf is building out its executive team as the vertical farming company continues to grow its footprint across Canada.

Jeff McKinnon has been promoted from his role as chief financial officer to senior vice-president of network development, Laurent Mareschal has been hired to fill the CFO role, and Jerry Dover is joining GoodLeaf as vice-president of engineering and automation—a new position within the company.

“It is an exciting time for GoodLeaf Farms, and we are putting the right pieces in place to support our growth across Canada,” said GoodLeaf CEO Barry Murchie, in a press release. “This is the right team to help GoodLeaf establish a strong footprint in Canada, ensuring people across the country have year-round access to local top quality, nutrient-dense, sustainably grown and pesticide-free leafy greens.”

GoodLeaf produces 800,000 pounds of greens annually from its 45,000-sq.-ft. automated vertical farm facility in Guelph, which are sold through such grocery retailers as Longo’s, Loblaws and Whole Foods Market.

In February, McCain Foods announced it would invest more than $65 million in GoodLeaf Farms subsidiary TruLeaf Sustainable Agriculture, making it the single-largest shareholder in the company.

At the time, GoodLeaf said the investment would allow it grow both its retail and foodservice footprint, and build facilities in Eastern and Western Canada. And, in June the company announced plans for a vertical farming facility in the Montreal area.

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