TORONTO, Nov. 26, 2018 /CNW/ – FSD Pharma Inc. (“FSD Pharma” or “FSD”) (CSE: HUGE) (OTCQB: FSDDF) (FRA: 0K9) announced today the appointment of Rupert Haynes as Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Haynes is a highly accomplished healthcare executive with nearly three decades of global pharmaceutical experience having most recently held the position of Head of Global Marketing at GW Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: GWPH) in the United Kingdom. In his new role with FSD Pharma, Mr. Haynes will continue to work out of the United Kingdom, which will support FSD Pharma’s strategy of expanding its global footprint. Interim CEO and Co-chairman of the board, Dr. Raza Bokhari will remain in place as CEO until Mr. Haynes officially assumes the role.
“Mr. Haynes has an impressive track record in pipeline and product development which is directly relevant to FSD’s vision of becoming a global cannabinoid based pharmaceutical leader,” said Dr. Raza Bokhari, Co-chairman of the Board. “He blends world class specialty pharmaceutical experience with a fast-paced biotech mindset that will help accelerate FSD’s growth and global expansion strategy by assembling a top tier management team and pursuing targeted mergers & acquisitions. On behalf of the Board, I welcome him to the company.”
As head of Global Marketing at GW Pharmaceuticals, Mr. Haynes oversaw the strategic development of the firm’s cannabinoid portfolio including numerous cannabinoid pipeline products across dozens of therapeutic areas, but primarily neurological, neurodegenerative and neuropsychological conditions. Mr. Haynes was also involved in the strategic planning & development of Epidiolex®, an FDA-approved cannabidiol, for the treatment of seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome or Dravet syndrome. Before GW, Mr. Haynes held numerous commercial roles, including senior leadership positions, at both large pharma and bespoke biotech firms which include Sobi, UCB Pharma, Bristol-Myers Squibb Ltd, UK, and Pharmacia & Upjohn Ltd, UK.