TORONTO, January 29, 2019 – Hill+Knowlton Strategies (H+K) is pleased to announce the appointment of Ivan Ross Vrána to National Director of its Cannabis Practice.

Widely recognized as an industry leading expert in the field of medical and adult recreational cannabis, Ivan Ross’ experience in the sector dates to his time with Health Canada where he helped develop the Government of Canada’s position regarding the use, production, distribution and regulation of cannabis for medical purposes.

Since joining H+K in 2015, Ivan Ross has provided clients counsel and support in investor relations, communications, regulatory review, strategic partnerships, identification and outreach related to market opportunities in other countries and government affairs work at the federal, provincial and municipal levels. He is also a regular contributor to articles regarding the cannabis industry and has been a guest speaker at conferences in Canada, as well as abroad.

“In just over three years, Ivan Ross is now leading a thriving portfolio of cannabis files. He advises some of the largest cannabis companies, and their leadership teams in the country and is sought out regularly by industry and government decision-makers for his expert knowledge,” said Sheila Wisniewski, President and CEO of Hill+Knowlton Strategies Canada. “No one understands the cannabis industry, or the challenges and opportunities it faces, better than Ivan Ross.”

In this new role, Ivan Ross will be focused on overseeing the national integration and coordination of cannabis files, ensuring seamless services for clients across regions and continued innovation in building out sector-tailored public affairs, communications, marketing and research services.

With a deep understanding of the audiences and stakeholders that make up the cannabis landscape, H+K has a long and successful track record working with clients in the cannabis industry across Canada. Since 2013, the team of experienced policy and communications professionals have helped many Canadian companies from coast to coast, successfully navigate the complex regulatory and application process, support their communications and marketing efforts and provide public affairs support to achieve success today, while preparing for the future of this fast-changing industry in which they seek to operate and expand.

The breadth and depth of H+K’s cannabis expertise spans nationally across all service areas from consumer marketing and corporate/financial communications, to public affairs and consumer health.