News

Tobacco executive to lead Organigram as new CEO

Published on December 12, 2025 by Pat Bulmer

Photo: Contributed
The New Brunswick government is supporting cannabis producer Organigram as it modernizes its flagship facility in Moncton. From left: Public Safety Minister Robert Gauvin; Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Claire Johnson; Matthew Carreau, senior vice-president of operations East, Organigram Canada; Premier Susan Holt; and Luke Randall, minister responsible for Opportunities NB.

An executive from the tobacco industry is the new top man at Organigram Global.

James Yamanaka, formerly global head of strategy for British American Tobacco, has been appointed the new chief executive officer.

Organigram Global is the parent company of Canadian cannabis producer Organigram Inc. BAT is one of its largest investors. Organigram started in New Brunswick, where its main facility is about to get an upgrade, although the corporate office has moved to Toronto.

Organigram just received $2 million from the New Brunswick government to help with the Moncton facility modernization.

A $9.3-million upgrade is planned. The provincial agency, Opportunities NB, is making a non-repayable contribution of up to $2 million.

The project involves upgrading 9,000 lights to LED fixtures in 75 grow rooms to increase crop yields by about 10 per cent, a government news release said. “This improvement will boost flower output, enhance efficiency and reduce costs. The investment is expected to increase provincial GDP by over $3.3 million and generate an estimated $424,000 in direct and indirect provincial tax revenue by the end of 2026.”

Organigram was founded in 2013 and also has cultivation and manufacturing facilities in Ontario, Quebec and Manitoba.

Yamanaka took over as CEO on Dec. 1. He replaces Beena Goldenberg, who retired, although she was on hand for the New Brunswick announcement.

“Mr. Yamanaka is a seasoned executive, having spent more than 20 years at British

American Tobacco, with extensive experience in strategy and general management across Europe and Asia,” a news release said.

“I am thrilled to take on this new challenge,” said Yamanaka. “I have watched

Organigram evolve into Canada’s No. 1 recreational cannabis company by market

share and believe it is well positioned to become a global leader in the cannabis industry.”

Organigram will release fourth-quarter financial results on Dec. 16.

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