Organigram Global Inc. has appointed James Yamanaka, former Global Head of Strategy at British American Tobacco, as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective January 15, 2026. Yamanaka’s appointment follows the departure of long‑time CEO Beena Goldenberg, who will step down at the end of the company’s fiscal year 2025.
Yamanaka brings a decade of experience in scaling consumer brands and navigating complex regulatory environments. His background at BAT, where he led global strategy initiatives, is seen as a strategic fit for Organigram’s ambition to expand beyond Canada into high‑margin international markets, particularly the hemp‑derived beverage sector in Europe, Australia and the United States.
Organigram, a Canadian licensed cannabis producer, has built a diversified portfolio that includes dried cannabis, oils, edibles and other cannabis‑derived products. The company’s leadership has emphasized maintaining its domestic market leadership while pursuing growth opportunities abroad. Yamanaka’s appointment signals a renewed focus on leveraging his expertise to accelerate that international expansion and to deepen the company’s presence in regulated markets where consumer demand for hemp‑derived products is rising.
The transition is expected to bring a fresh perspective on product development and market entry strategies. Yamanaka’s experience in managing cross‑border regulatory compliance and building global supply chains is anticipated to help Organigram navigate the evolving legal landscape of the hemp‑derived beverage industry, which is characterized by rapid growth but also complex regulatory scrutiny.
Organigram’s board has expressed confidence that Yamanaka’s strategic vision will support the company’s long‑term growth objectives. The appointment is part of a broader effort to position Organigram as a leading player in the global cannabis and hemp‑derived beverage markets while preserving its strong foothold in Canada.
The change in leadership is expected to influence the company’s strategic priorities, including product innovation, geographic expansion, and operational efficiencies, as it seeks to capitalize on emerging opportunities in regulated markets worldwide.
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