David Lobo, President and Chief Executive Officer
Reporting into the OCRC Board of Directors, David oversees all day-to-day operations of the Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS). David has been with the OCS since its inception in 2017 and prior to that he worked on the development of the legal recreational cannabis model while at the Ministry of Finance. David is committed to the success of the industry and fostering relationships with OCS’ retailer and licensed producer partners.
Prior to this role, David held the position of Chief Merchandising Officer with responsibility over merchandising, brand, insights, marketing and digital experience. He also previously held the role of the Chief Corporate Affairs Officer and Vice President – Social Responsibility. David has experience in various policy and strategic engagement roles with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and the Ontario Government. He holds a Master of Public Administration from Queen’s University and a Bachelor of Arts from Carleton University.
David Chiu, Chief Information Officer
As the Chief Information Officer at OCS, David leads all teams under the Information Technology umbrella. With over two decades of experience driving digital transformation and innovation, he has a proven track record of aligning technology initiatives with business goals. With experience that expands across many industries including Powersports, Automotive, Retail and Healthcare, David brings a wealth of expertise in strategic planning, cybersecurity and team leadership. His commitment to operational excellence and his strategic vision for leveraging digital capabilities position him as a transformative leader at OCS. David holds a Bachelor of Arts in Administration and Information Management, as well as a Bachelor of Commerce in Information Technology Management.
Alexandre Jalleau, Chief Customer Experience Officer
As the Chief Customer Experience Officer, Alexandre leads the Marketing & Insights, Digital Experience, Customer Relationship and Customer Support teams for the Ontario Cannabis Store. With over 25 years of experience in marketing, sales and distribution as well as leading, structuring and developing high-performing teams in fast-moving, competitive and regulated industries, Alexandre brings international experience from Southern Africa, Western Europe and Canada.
Alexandre has worked as a senior executive for large consumer packaged goods companies in the tobacco and soft drinks sectors, and most recently, with cannabis start-ups.
Zeela Merchant, Chief of Financial Operations
Zeela leads the OCS’s finance group and has over 20 years of progressive financial leadership roles within the public sector including Metrolinx, Ontario Financing Authority, Office of the Provincial Controller Division (Treasury Board) at the Ministry of Finance and the Office of the Auditor General of Ontario. Zeela holds both her Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Chartered Accountant (CA) designations as well as both a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in Accounting from the University of Waterloo.
Denny Palarchio, Chief Operating Officer
Denny leads OCS’s logistics and operations and is a senior operations management strategist with leadership experience in operations and supply chain in both national and global organizations. After numerous years in progressively more senior supply chain roles with Indigo, he joined Chefs Plate, Canada’s leading online meal-kit delivery business as the Chief Operating Officer. Denny’s experience with online businesses and the food sector will successfully support the OCS as the industry grows. Denny holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering from Queen’s University and is a graduate from the Supply Chain Management Executive Program at Stanford University.
Tanya Watkins, Vice President of Corporate Affairs & Social Responsibility
Tanya leads the OCS’s Corporate Affairs & Policy and Communications & Social Responsibility Teams. As OCS is a Crown Corporation, Tanya ensures the OCS works closely with the Government of Ontario to ensure the organization delivers on its mandate. This includes close collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of the Attorney General, and Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario.
Prior to joining the OCS, Tanya held senior leadership roles at the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of the Attorney General, where she provided oversight of government agencies, and supported the provinces planning and policy development in the areas of gaming, horse racing, and alcohol. Tanya holds a Master of Public Policy and Administration from Carleton University.
Ian Menard, Vice President, Strategic Planning & Transformation Office
Ian leads the OCS’s Strategic Planning, Change Management and Transformation teams and is responsible for overseeing the planning and execution of OCS strategic initiatives and policies.
Ian has over 19 years of relevant experience in the areas of Human Resources, Strategy, Transformation, Business Process and Change with a specialization in automation and a passion for customer service. His experience ranges from working for large retailers such as Canadian Tire, to consulting for IPMHR Inc., Humber College, University of Richmond and BGRS.
He also holds a Master of Arts Degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology.
Matt Barbuto, General Counsel
Matthew is a seasoned attorney with over 15 years of experience as a general counsel and legal advisor. As General Counsel for the OCS, he offers extensive expertise in administrative, compliance, regulatory and commercial law. His background spans the Health & Wellness and Tech sectors, for which he managed mergers and acquisitions, and led various operational projects. With extensive knowledge in drafting complex agreements and ensuring compliance across departments, Matthew provides invaluable insights within regulated environments. Matthew holds a Juris Doctor from Michigan State University College of Law and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Western University.
