OCRC Board announces launch of leadership search

March 12, 2021 (TORONTO) – The Ontario Cannabis Retail Corporation (OCRC) Board of Directors announced that it is undertaking a national search for the role of President and Chief Executive Officer for the Ontario Cannabis Store. As the OCS further transitions from a scale-up organization to a mature Crown corporation, new leadership will help oversee steady-state operations.

The OCRC Board would like to thank Thomas Haig for his interim leadership as his contract comes to an end. Thomas leveraged his 50 years of retail experience to help the OCS further scale up its operations. This included working with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) to ramp up the opening of legal cannabis retail stores across the province, with almost 500 currently open and many more slated to open in the months ahead. Thomas also helped the OCS make important strides in further strengthening its relationship with authorized retail stores and licensed producers as we collectively work to improve the legal marketplace for consumers. Thomas will complete his interim contract on March 23.

As the OCRC Board conducts its search for new leadership, David Lobo will support the organization as Interim President & Chief Executive Officer, beginning March 24. David has been with the organization since its inception and most recently held the role of Chief Merchandising Officer. During his time in the organization, David has worked with all business functions, helping the OCS deliver on its provincial mandate. His experience both within the OCS and across the Ontario Public Service will help the Board ensure a smooth transition towards new leadership once a comprehensive search is complete.