Meet the Team
Meet the Team
Andrew T. Wnek, CA, CPA, B.COMM, MBA.
Chief Executive Officer
Andrew originally worked with beleave as a senior financial executive and member of the audit and compensation committee.
Andrew originally worked with beleave as a senior financial executive and member of the audit and compensation committee. In October of 2017, he was named Chief Executive Officer in a move that saw former CEO, Roger Ferreira, take on the duties of Chief Science Officer. Andrew’s significant retail, oil and gas, and not for profit industry experience has seen him hold senior finance roles with Canadian Tire Corporation including Senior Vice President, Finance and Administration in a twenty-one year career. He also developed strong technology knowledge as the Chief Information Officer for over seven years for the same Corporation. Most recently, he was the National CFO for the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Roger Ferreira, PHD
Chief Science Officer
Dr. Ferreira received his PhD training in the area of neuroimmunology, with a particular focus on the physiological mechanisms by which brain inflammation can be curbed, which is especially relevant to the neural harm that can occur with neurodegenerative disease, traumatic injury, and stroke.
We're a company that cares about our community. We care about the people in it, and the environment around it. That's why we take every stage of our production process so seriously. We're driven by passion.
Dr. Ferreira received his PhD training in the area of neuroimmunology, with a particular focus on the physiological mechanisms by which brain inflammation can be curbed. This area of research is particularly relevant to the neural harm that can occur with neurodegenerative disease, traumatic brain injury, and stroke. Roger has authored several peer-reviewed publications in the Journal of Neuroimmune Pharmacology, Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience, Frontiers in Cellular Immunology, and the Public Library of Science; and has presented his work at several international conferences, including the Biophysical Society 56th Annual Meeting (San Diego, California, USA, 2012), and the 7th Annual Canadian Neuroscience meeting (Toronto, Ontario, Canada, 2013).
Bojan Krasic
Chief Financial Officer
Mr. Krasic’s experience in finance structuring, providing valuations, fairness opinions, exchange listings and various merger and acquisition transactions has enabled him to develop FAM’s legal, financial and business partnerships. After joining FAM 2 years ago, he has been instrumental in assisting FAM in raising capital and has played an integral role in developing FAM’s security and record keeping protocols.
We are part of an industry that will be continuously evolving over our lifetimes. It is exciting and an honor to be part of that.
Managing Team
Andrew has served on several Boards including his position as Finance Chair for six years on the Royal Conservatory of Music Board and as Audit Committee Chair for Momentum, a technology service provider. Married with three children, has volunteered extensively for a number of schools and served with a community association for over ten years.
In his current capacity as Global Director of Sales Operations, Mr. Steane manages strategic transformation projects designed to drive simplification, scale and improved effectiveness for SAP’s small and medium enterprise sales organization across cross-functional teams including sales, operations, partner recruitment, legal, and HR. In addition, Mr. Steane leads a data and development team responsible for establishing global SME and partner health metrics within this €1.5B multi-channel software business. He has developed a three year business insights and analytics roadmap in order to drive strategic growth opportunities. Mr. Steane will use his expertise to help the company achieve its accelerated growth goals by advising them in the areas of software infrastructure, business analytics and partnerships.
While at AOL, Mr Steane initiated the global adoption of Salesforce and exceeded sales channel revenue targets, growing the business 500% year over year. At Microsoft, he helped grow partner companies from $30M in sales across 175 employees to over $350M in sales with more than 1,500 employees.
Throughout his career Mr. Heselton has been actively involved in chairing pharmaceutical industry associations aimed at shaping healthcare reform and improving market access for innovative medicines, working in collaboration with governments around the world. He also served on the Board of Trustees for the University of Pittsburghʼs Executive MBA affiliated program in Prague, the Czech Republic.
Mr. Heselton holds a Bachelor of Sciences Degree from Queenʼs University and completed the Executive General Management Program at INSEAD. This summer he will complete the Financial Times postgraduate Non-Executive Director Diploma in London. He is Canadian, married with two sons, and lives in Zürich, Switzerland.
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Mr. Panagiotakopoulos has spent ten (10) years in the Soil/Land Remediation industry as the Owner and CEO Cardinal Group’s Earth Works division – a company specializing in ground water remediation. In this capacity he has successfully devised and implemented numerous cost-effective bioremediation solutions that convert contaminants into harmless by-products and are environmentally safe in residential, commercial properties and salvage yards. Mr. Panagiotakopoulos has also spent five years as President and CEO of Hamilton Solar, where he successfully developed a 250 kW Solar Tracking generating plant for the Ontario Power Authority’s, Feed-In-Tariff program for renewable energy. He has built Ontario’s first large scale Elevated Solar Tracking farm on commercial land. Mr. Panagiotakopoulos joined Beleave two (2) years ago in capacity of director and COO. Mr. Panagiotakopoulos continues to use his resources as a seasoned veteran in managing construction projects to develop the project into becoming the most efficient and cost effective MMPR project. Upon completion of the Amalgamation, it is anticipated that Mr. Panagiotakopoulos will devote the time necessary to perform the work required in connection with acting as the COO and as a director of the Corporation.
David Naranjit received his B.Sc. in Chemistry from McMaster University, Hamilton and his Ph. D. from the University of Toronto. His work has been in the field of analytical chemistry, particularly in atomic spectroscopy and chromatography. He has been a faculty member in the Department of Chemistry and Biology, Ryerson University since 1985, and has taught courses in the above stated areas. Based on David Naranjit’s extensive academic and research background and expertise in analytical chemistry applications and research, he provides expert counsel to the company regarding its ongoing research programs and standard practices. Particularly, these programs include, but are not limited to; the development of analytical techniques used to characterize cannabinoid products, advising on quality assurance practices and strategies and advising on the development of cannabis and cannabis delivery products. This role will specifically include providing general insights into the challenges and solutions in the field of medical cannabis and to provide feedback to management in the areas outlined above.
Mr. Kosalka has been trained and is experienced in materials, synthetic and analytical chemistry. While earning his Masters degree (MSc), he has had the privilege of presenting his work at various conferences including the 96th Canadian Chemistry Conference (Quebec City, Quebec, 2013) and the Chemistry and Biology Research Symposium at Ryerson University (Toronto, Ontario, 2013). He is experienced in laboratory management and teaching analytical chemistry at a University level. His interests lie in research which encompasses his three areas of expertise. Combining his research interests and his positive outlook on medical marihuana, he is always looking for new and interesting research opportunities in the field. His primary objective will be quality assurance. He will be responsible for evaluating products, ensuring that Health Canada requirements surrounding medical marijuana are not only met but exceeded and that all products are of the highest quality.
Mr. Krasic has spent 5 years as an investment banker in Toronto. In this capacity, he began his career with Thomas Weisel Partners Canada Inc. and later joined Stifel Nicolaus Canada Inc. Mr. Krasic has experience in finance structuring, providing valuations, fairness opinions, exchange listings and various merger and acquisition transactions. His experience has enabled him to establish and service as CEO of Terrella Capital. He holds an honours degree from the University of Toronto in Finance and Economics, and a Masters Degree in Investment Management with a specialization in Capital Markets from Concordia University. Mr. Krasic joined FAM two (2) years ago in the capacity of a CFO and has helped develop various partnerships including legal, financial, and business development spectrums. He was instrumental in assisting FAM in raising capital and has played an integral role in developing FAM’s security and record keeping protocols.
A senior financial executive with significant retail, oil and gas and not for profit industry experience. Held senior finance roles with Canadian Tire Corporation including Senior Vice President, Finance and Administration in a twenty one year career. Also developed strong technology knowledge as the Chief Information Officer for over seven years for the Corporation. Most recently was the National CFO for the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Has served on several Boards including as Finance Chair for six years on the Royal Conservatory of Music Board and as Audit Committee Chair for Momentum, a technology service provider. Married with three children, has volunteered extensively for a number of schools and served with a community association for over ten years.
Mr. Gidlow is President of the Toronto Police Military Veterans Association, an organization formed in 1922, which is comprised of veterans of armed conflicts either with past service in Military Units, United Nations Peacekeeping Operations or service in Reserve Units with postings to areas of conflict such as Afghanistan. Mr. Gidlow served in the Canadian Forces Reserve Army from 1968 to 2011 when he retired as a Lieutenant Colonel after 43 years of service. In his time in the Canadian Forces, Mr. Gidlow did three tours, most recently to Afghanistan where he advised the Afghan National Police on site security. Dana will also play an important role in ensuring our facilities adhere to the highest in security standards. In addition to Mr. Gidlow’s service in the Canadian Forces, he served in the Toronto Police Service for 34 years and retired as a Supervisor in 2008. In this time, Mr. Gidlow worked on the Major Crime Unit, as a Criminal investigations Detective, and even as a Media Awareness Instructor. Mr. Gidlow was also deployed to Kosovo as an International Police Officer where among other roles, he investigated in theft and smuggling cases.
Paul Evanov is a seasoned broadcasting executive with over 20 years experience in the radio and broadcasting industry. Mr. Evanov currently holds the title of Executive Vice President and Program Director at Evanov Radio Group, a company he was instrumental in building to Canada’s largest independent radio broadcaster. Mr. Evanov is currently responsible for the day-to-day operation of 18 radio stations across Canada with approximately 2.7 million weekly listeners. Mr. Evanov was inducted to the Humber College Radio Hall of Fame in 2014 just two years after his father was inducted into the Canadian Music and Broadcast Hall of Fame. Mr. Evanov will assist Beleave in its marketing and advertising initiatives.
Mr. Chris Murphy is a Toronto-based regulatory and criminal lawyer. He sits on the board of directors of Star Produce Ltd., one of Canada’s largest distributors of fresh fruit and vegetables with more than 100 offshore programs and 200,000 square feet of refrigerated distribution space. Mr. Murphy will bring to Beleave a wealth of experience in logistics, food safety, greenhouse operations, and information systems capable of tracking product from seed to sale. Chris has broad experience and industry connections with greenhouses, distribution networks and retailers across North America, we welcome him on board as an invaluable asset that will assist in all areas of our business from production practices, expansion plans to sales. Mr. Murphy is a former drug prosecutor with the Department of Justice Canada. Before becoming a prosecutor, he acted as a judicial law clerk at the Supreme Court of British Columbia. Mr. Murphy also practiced civil litigation at a firm of some 150 lawyers in Calgary, Alberta. In addition, he served as a special constable with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Mr. Murphy received a Bachelor of Laws with Distinction in 2000. In 1997, he obtained a Master of Arts degree. He had previously graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree with High Honours in 1994. In 2004, he received a Certificate in International Criminal Law from Salzburg Law School, and in 2015 he graduated from the Directors Education Program at the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management.
Dr. Ferreira received his PhD training in the area of neuroimmunology, with a particular focus on the physiological mechanisms by which brain inflammation can be curbed, which is especially relevant to the neural harm that can occur with neurodegenerative disease, traumatic injury, and stroke. Roger has authored several peer-reviewed publications in the Journal of Neuroimmune Pharmacology, Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience, Frontiers in Cellular Immunology, and the Public Library of Science; as well as having presented his work at several international conferences, including the Biophysical Society 56th Annual Meeting (San Diego, California, USA, 2012), the 7th Annual Canadian Neuroscience meeting (Toronto, Ontario, Canada, 2013), and the Biophysical Society 59th Annual Meeting (Baltimore, Maryland, USA, 2015). His area of research is particularly relevant to medical marihuana, as there is strong pre-clinical evidence that cannabidiol, the non-psychoactive ingredient, can limit the ability of brain immune cells to cause excessive inflammation, an exciting area of research that will reveal how particular strains of medical marihuana have the potential to not only alleviate symptoms of disease, but also reduce brain inflammation and disease progression. In addition, Dr. Ferreira brings his extensive training in microbiology and analytical chemistry to FAM’s quality assurance process. He will be responsible for overseeing all marihuana quality assurance testing provisioned under the MMPR, and applies his substantial training in laboratory management at the University of Toronto, and Toronto Western Research Institute (University Health Network) to oversee all good production practice
One of the more popular consumption options is to grind the cannabis bud and smoke it either in a device (like a pipe) or to use rolling papers to roll it into a marijuana cigarette (joint). If you wish to directly consume the cannabis bud but don’t wish to smoke, you can always use a Vaporizer – which is part of Beleave’s harm reduction program.
One of the more popular consumption options is to grind the cannabis bud and smoke it either in a device (like a pipe) or to use rolling papers to roll it into a marijuana cigarette (joint). If you wish to directly consume the cannabis bud but don’t wish to smoke, you can always use a Vaporizer – which is part of Beleave’s harm reduction program.