Cronos Group announces appointment of Jim Rudyk, CFO of Roots, to the Board

TORONTO, Feb. 1, 2018 /CNW/ - Cronos Group Inc. (TSX-V: MJN) (OTC Nasdaq Int'l Designation: PRMCF) ("Cronos Group" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that Mr. James D. Rudyk has been appointed to the Board of Directors. Mr. Rudyk is currently the chief financial officer of Roots Corporation ("Roots"), a position he has held since January 2016. Mr. Rudyk is an experienced and proven financial executive with more than 25 years of financial and operational experience and a track record of supporting ambitious growth plans. Prior to joining Roots, Mr. Rudyk served as the chief financial officer of Shred-It International Inc. from 2009 to 2015; while there, he was instrumental in helping the company grow from approximately $200 million to more than $700 million in revenue, expanding to over 17 countries around the world. He also served as chief financial officer and chief operating officer of Canada Cartage Systems Limited from 2004 to 2009. Mr. Rudyk is currently a board member of National Diabetes Trust Corp. and serves on their audit committee and their governance, nominations and compensation committee.

"We're delighted to have Mr. Rudyk join our Board and drive long-term shareholder value by strengthening our corporate governance. Mr. Rudyk has a strong track record of growing Canadian companies into global leaders, and we're fortunate that we'll be able to leverage his wisdom and experience to fuel our own growth," said Mike Gorenstein, CEO of Cronos Group.  

"I think the Company has the right operating model, strategy, and team to grow significantly, both in Canada and around the world, and I am very excited to join Cronos Group," said Jim Rudyk.

Mr. Rudyk will serve as the chair of the Cronos Group audit committee and will also be a member of the Cronos Group compensation committee. Mr. Gorenstein has resigned from both committees, and Mr. Friedman has resigned from the compensation committee. The members of the audit committee are now Mr. Krestell, Mr. Friedman, and Mr. Rudyk. The members of the compensation committee are now Mr. Krestell and Mr. Rudyk.

The Company has granted stock options to subscribe for 150,000 common shares of the Company to Mr. Rudyk, in accordance with the Company's stock option plan. The options are exercisable at a price of $9.00 per common share, which was the closing price of the Company's common shares on the TSX Venture Exchange on January 31, 2018. The options vest over four years and expire five years after the date of issue, or sooner, in certain circumstances, such as ceasing to be an eligible person under the stock option plan or the death or disability of the holder. The grant of options is subject to the Company receiving all necessary regulatory consents and approvals, if any, and to the Company's stock option plan.

About Cronos Group

Cronos Group is a geographically diversified and vertically integrated cannabis company that operates two wholly-owned Licensed Producers ("LPs") regulated within Health Canada's Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (the "ACMPR") and holds a portfolio of minority investments in other Licensed Producers. The Company's flagship LPs, Peace Naturals Project Inc. (Ontario) and Original BC Ltd. (British Columbia), are collectively situated on over 125 acres of agricultural, licensed land. Cronos Group is focused on building an international iconic brand portfolio, providing patients with personalized care and creating value for our shareholders.

Forward-looking statements

This news release may contain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All information contained herein that is not clearly historical in nature may constitute forward-looking information and includes, but is not limited to, information relating to the future growth and prospects of the Company. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive risks, uncertainties and contingencies that may cause actual financial results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the estimated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by those forward-looking statements and the forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements or information. A discussion of certain of the material risks applicable to the Company can be found in the Company's most recent MD&A and Annual Information Form, which can be accessed at www.sedar.com. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE Cronos Group Inc.