GoodLeaf fills out its executive team

As it embarks on an aggressive national expansion, GoodLeaf Farms is building its executive team.

The company, which operates Canada’s first and largest commercial vertical farm, has promoted Jeff McKinnon from his role as chief financial officer to senior vice-president of network development. GoodLeaf has hired Laurent Mareschal as its new CFO, and a new position, vice-president of engineering and automation, has been filled by Jerry Dover.

“It is an exciting time for GoodLeaf Farms, and we are putting the right pieces in place to support our growth across Canada,” says Barry Murchie, CEO of GoodLeaf. “This is the right team to help GoodLeaf establish a strong footprint in Canada, ensuring people across the country have year-round access to local top quality, nutrient-dense, sustainably grown and pesticide-free leafy greens.”

With GoodLeaf for the past seven years as its CFO, McKinnon is now in charge of guiding the expansion of GoodLeaf into Quebec, Western Canada and other markets beyond Canada. A Chartered Professional Accountant, he has worked in finance and corporate development roles for a variety of companies in the real estate, banking, oil and gas, private equity and food and beverage sectors.

“I’m proud to be part of the team that is building a stable of indoor vertical farms that will support the Canadian grocery and food service network, bringing local, fresh leafy greens to Canadians no matter the season,” says Mc. McKinnon.

Mareschal joins GoodLeaf after a long career in financial services, including as CFO of Scotiabank’s capital markets business and CFO of Scotiabank’s retail and commercial banking operations. Recently, Mareschal was CFO of a venture capital fund manager where he helped early stage companies access capital and commercialize their operations.

Mareschal says he is “excited to have joined GoodLeaf to help it grow, as it provides healthy, great tasting greens that are good for you and the people you feed, and good for the planet.”

Dover began his career in the Canadian Army, including five years as an electrical and mechanical engineer. Before joining GoodLeaf, he also worked for Kraft Canada, Molson Breweries, Canada Bread and Give-and-Go Prepared Foods in various roles to support the expansion of those businesses.

“I have a passion for building high-performing teams and hope to leverage my 30 years of engineering experience to help create Canada’s leading controlled environment agriculture powerhouse,” says Dover.