Cresco Labs Hires Angie Demchenko as its First Chief People Officer

Cresco Labs Inc. (“Cresco Labs” or the “Company”) (CSE: CL) (OTCQX: CRLBF), one of the largest vertically integrated multi state cannabis operators in the United States, announced today that Angie Demchenko has joined the Company as its first Chief People Officer. Prior to her appointment at Cresco Labs, Ms. Demchenko served as Vice President, Head of Human Resources for Starwood Retail Partners, a leading operator of shopping malls and lifestyle centers. As Cresco Labs’ Chief People Officer, Ms. Demchenko will be responsible for performance management, recruitment, compensation, employee benefits, and other personnel related activities. 

Cresco Labs, based in Chicago, is a leading U.S. cannabis company with experienced management, access to capital and a demonstrated growth strategy. As a differentiated grower, processor and retailer of premium cannabis operating across the United States, the company focuses on entering highly regulated markets with outsized demand potential and strong regulatory structures. Its impressive speed-to-market gives Cresco a distinct competitive advantage as it replicates its model to expand its national footprint. Cresco’s proven ability to execute is complemented by a cutting-edge brand strategy spearheaded by several of the brightest minds in consumer marketing in the nation. Cresco’s products are tailored to all major consumer segments: everyday cannabis, medicinally focused, connoisseur grade, and chef inspired edibles by James Beard Award-winning pastry chef Mindy Segal. 

Cresco Labs CEO & Co-Founder Charlie Bachtell was excited about the hire stating, “Angie has an impressive track record of managing the human resources functions of dynamic, high-growth companies. Her experience in building best-in-class HR strategies and operations will be valuable in helping Cresco maintain our strong workplace culture and our focus on our core values and mission as we continue to scale. We believe that Angie is exceptionally well suited to help us achieve our goal of attracting the best talent in the cannabis industry and empowering them with the tools and knowledge to deliver exceptional performance.”

Prior to her most recent work with Starwood Retail Partners, Ms. Demchenko served as Vice President, Human Resources for GGP (General Growth Properties), one of the largest shopping mall owners in the United States before it was acquired by Brookfield Property Partners. From 2008-2016, Ms. Demchenko served as Senior Vice President, Human Resources for Jones Lang LaSalle, a Fortune 500 commercial real estate services firm. Ms. Demchenko began her career as Human Resources Manager in the Global Business Services Group at Accenture. She received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a concentration in Human Resources Management from the University of Western Ontario.

“I’m very pleased to join Cresco Labs at such an exciting time in the Company’s growth and development,” said Ms. Demchenko. “In a fast-moving industry, it is critical that Cresco remains nimble and has the ability to quickly respond to evolving market conditions in order to build upon its leadership in the cannabis industry. My goal is to ensure that our operating strategies and our corporate culture are well aligned and effectively complementing one another to achieve our long-term business objectives.”