The Green Organic Dutchman Announces Appointment of Geoff Riggs as Chief Information Officer
TORONTO, July 26, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Green Organic Dutchman Holdings Ltd. (the “Company” or “TGOD”) (TSX:TGOD) (US:TGODF) is pleased to announce it has appointed 20-year IBM veteran Mr. Geoff Riggs as Chief Information Officer. Mr. Riggs will set the Company’s direction on information technology, e-commerce and artificial intelligence strategies to support TGOD’s domestic and global expansion.
TGOD will employ techniques such as big-data mining and predictive analytics in order to optimize all aspects of the Company, including product sales forecasting, integrated greenhouse operations, consumer engagement and the development of unique intellectual property to develop an artificial intelligence decision support system for the global cannabis industry.
Mr. Riggs has extensive experience in leading high-performance teams, and a deep comprehension of next-generation information management solutions such as cognitive analytics and cloud computing. These qualities will be applied to oversee the development of an integrated technology platform that will underpin and enhance TGOD’s operational efficiency, adaptability and inter-operability, as well as provide a unique predictive business intelligence function.
Since 1998, Mr. Riggs has held a range of senior positions in project and service management, strategy consulting, sales and business development, leading complex partnerships and working with global brands as well as start-ups, government and NGOs across North America, Europe and Africa. In recent years Mr. Riggs has held leadership responsibilities in emerging market initiatives, including IBMs Innovation program, incorporating start-up technologies, research partnerships and academic collaborations to drive better efficiency and optimization for clients in water, energy and agri-food industries. Mr. Riggs complements Commerce and IT degrees with an MBA in Sustainable Development.
All modern industries are data driven and the cannabis industry, with its global market, nascent supply chain and disruptive characteristics, will be no exception.
Brian Athaide, TGOD’s CEO
An integrated, real-time business intelligence capability, combined with artificial intelligence capabilities that can anticipate and adapt to industry dynamics will enhance TGOD’s ability to dominate the organic market segment, rationalize investments and maintain competitive differentiation. We look forward to having Mr. Riggs join our team.
ABOUT THE GREEN ORGANIC DUTCHMAN HOLDINGS LTD
The Green Organic Dutchman Holdings Ltd. is a research & development company licensed under the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (“ACMPR”) to cultivate medical cannabis. The Company carries out its principal activities producing cannabis from its facilities in Ancaster, Ont., pursuant to the provisions of the ACMPR and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (Canada) and its regulations.
The Company grows high quality, organic cannabis with sustainable, all-natural principles. TGOD’s products are laboratory tested to ensure patients have access to a standardized, safe and consistent product. TGOD has a funded capacity of 170,000 kg and is building 1,382,000 sq. ft. of cultivation facilities in Ontario, Quebec and Jamaica.
The Company has developed a strategic partnership with Aurora Cannabis Inc. (TSX:ACB) whereby Aurora has invested approximately C$78.1 million for an approximate 17.5% stake in TGOD. In addition, the Company has raised approximately C$315 million and has over 20,000 shareholders.
TGOD’s Common Shares and warrants issued under the indenture dated November 1, 2017 trade on the TSX under the symbol “TGOD” and “TGOD.WT”, respectively.
