NZ: Mark Morrison joins Helius as CCO

Mark Morrison has been appointed Chief Commercial Officer at Helius Therapeutics. For six months prior to the appointment, Mark was a consultant at Helius where he developed the company’s commercial strategy. The announcement of Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) completes the executive leadership team at the headquarters of Helius in Auckland’s East Tamaki.

With significant experience in Australia, United States and New Zealand, Mr Morrison has worked in the pharmaceutical, animal health, and FMCG industries for over 25 years. He has held senior global marketing, strategic planning, new product and business development positions, and has consulted in the medicinal cannabis sector since 2018.

He has an MBA from Australia’s Macquarie Graduate School of Management, and a Bachelor of Science (Hons) from the University of Canterbury.

The Chief Executive says the Helius leadership team has highly complementary skill sets and a diversity of thinking to get the job done, with a large focus on innovation, scientific and technical prowess.

The 100% New Zealand-owned private biotechnology company has brought together a multi-disciplinary executive team. It has deep experience across pharmaceutical operations, cannabinoid research and development, and quality systems.

Part-owned by Helius, Hale Animal Health has launched its own scientifically formulated range of pet supplements crafted from premium ingredients. Hale is also leading the way in developing some of the world’s first cannabinoid medicines for companion animals.

Mr. Morrison is excited about seeing the medicinal cannabis sector in New Zealand transitioning from an aspirational space to one of delivery.

Having raised $48m in capital since 2018, Helius completed its state-of-the-art, integrated medicines manufacturing facility late last year. At 8,800sqm, it enables integrated cultivation, analytics, research, manufacturing, logistics, management, and distribution all under one secure roof.

Ms. Doran believes New Zealand is poised to become an innovation hub for medicinal cannabis, with the sector representing a substantial social and economic opportunity for the country. Helius will be a key driver in the sector’s success and the first local company to undertake medicinal cannabis clinical trials.