CHICAGO, June 6, 2023 – PRESS RELEASE – Verano Holdings Corp., a leading multistate cannabis company, announced the promotion of key leaders, expanding the company’s executive leadership team under founder and CEO George Archos.
Darren Weiss, currently chief operating officer (COO), chief legal officer and general counsel of Verano, has been elevated to the role of president. Weiss has served as COO with the company since February 2021 and as general counsel since 2017.
John Tipton will transition to the role of president of the Southern Region, supporting the company’s continued expansion across Florida and new markets in the Southeastern U.S.
With Weiss’ transition to president, Trip McDermott, executive vice president of operations, has been promoted to COO. With over eight years of experience leading operations in the cannabis industry, McDermott has partnered with company leadership across all functions to drive excellence in standard operating procedures and deliver high-quality products across the company’s portfolio.
Verano’s current deputy general counsel, Laura Kalesnik, has been elevated to the role of chief legal officer and general counsel, expanding on her current responsibilities overseeing mergers and acquisitions, securities and corporate governance. Kalesnik joined Verano in 2021 and brings over 30 years of legal experience to the company.
Additionally, David Spreckman has been promoted to chief marketing officer from his position as executive vice president of marketing. In his enhanced role, Spreckman will continue to steer brand development and commercial activity across the organization and its operational footprint.
“Since our inception, I’ve been steadfast in my philosophy to develop internal talent to grow into the next generation of leaders at Verano,” Archos said. “Following these promotions, I believe we have one of the strongest and most experienced management teams in the industry which will serve to strengthen Verano’s ability to navigate the rapid evolution of the cannabis sector. I am incredibly proud of our team and look forward to continue working with them to drive our business forward.”
