GoodLeaf Fills Out its Executive Team
Pieces are in place to guide expansion and growth across Canada
GUELPH, Ont. — As it embarks on an aggressive national expansion, GoodLeaf Farms is building its executive team as well.
The company — which operates Canada’s first and largest commercial vertical farm — has promoted Jeff McKinnon from his role as Chief Financial Officer to the Senior Vice-President of Network Development. GoodLeaf has in turn hired Laurent Mareschal as its new CFO and a new position, Vice-President of Engineering and Automation, has been filled by Jerry Dover.
“It is an exciting time for GoodLeaf Farms, and we are putting the right pieces in place to support our growth across Canada,” says Barry Murchie, Chief Executive Officer of GoodLeaf. “This is the right team to help GoodLeaf establish a strong footprint in Canada, ensuring people across the country have year-round access to local top quality, nutrient-dense, sustainably grown and pesticide-free leafy greens.”
Jeff McKinnon, Senior Vice-President of Network Development
With GoodLeaf for the past seven years as its CFO, Mr. McKinnon is now in charge of guiding the expansion of GoodLeaf into Quebec, Western Canada and other markets beyond Canada. A Chartered Professional Accountant, he has worked in finance and corporate development roles for a variety of companies in the real estate, banking, oil and gas, private equity and food and beverage sectors.
“I’m proud to be part of the team that is building a stable of indoor vertical farms that will support the Canadian grocery and food service network, bringing local, fresh leafy greens to Canadians no matter the season,” says Mr. McKinnon.
Laurent Mareschal, CFO
Mr. Mareschal joins GoodLeaf after a long career in financial services, including as CFO of Scotiabank’s capital markets business and CFO of Scotiabank’s retail and commercial banking operations. Most recently, Mr. Mareschal was CFO of a venture capital fund where he helped early-stage companies access capital and commercialize their operations.
Mr. Mareschal says he is “excited to have joined GoodLeaf to help it grow as it provides healthy, great tasting greens that are good for you and the people you feed, and good for the planet.”
Jerry Dover, VP Engineering
Mr. Dover began his career in the Canadian Army, including five years as an electrical and mechanical engineer. Before joining GoodLeaf, he also worked for Kraft Canada, Molson Breweries, Canada Bread and Give-and-Go Prepared Foods in various roles to support the expansion of those businesses.
“I have a passion for building high-performing teams and hope to leverage my 30 years of engineering experience to help create Canada’s leading Controlled Environment Agriculture powerhouse,” says Mr. Dover.
Follow GoodLeaf Farms on Instagram @goodleaffarms and Like it on Facebook at /GoodLeafFarms.
About GoodLeaf Farms:
With a passion for delicious, nutrient-rich greens, GoodLeaf was founded in Halifax in 2011. Using an innovative technology and leveraging multi-level vertical farming, GoodLeaf has created a controlled and efficient indoor farm that can grow fresh produce anywhere in the world, 365 day of the year. The system combines innovations in LED lighting with leading edge hydroponic techniques to produce sustainable, safe, pesticide-free, nutrient-dense leafy greens. GoodLeaf has ongoing R&D Programs in collaboration with the University of Guelph, Dalhousie University and Acadia University.
Learn more at goodleaffarms.com.