Cannabis testing company Sonoma Lab Works announced recently that former Tesla executive Daniel Witt has been hired as company president and chief operating officer. The Santa Rosa, California cannabis analysis firm also announced the formation of its board of directors in a press release earlier this month.
Sonoma Lab Works CEO Darius Anderson said that Witt’s experience makes him an ideal candidate for the position.
“Witt’s energy and familiarity with both government and burgeoning industries melds perfectly with our desire to grow and expand the company into a leading service for the cannabis industry,” Anderson said.
Former Tesla Exec
Witt comes to Sonoma Lab Works after spending seven years as a senior manager for business development and policy with Tesla, whose CEO has been mired in controversy recently due to smoking pot on the Joe Rogan Experience. Prior to that, he worked in Washington, D.C. for Democratic Senator Diane Feinstein of California.
Witt said that his previous work has given him experience working in a dynamic and growing industry.
“California’s cannabis industry is perhaps one of the few things that has moved even faster than technology,” said Witt. “Despite changing regulations, the innovation is inspiring and it’s a privilege to work with a talented team to provide exceptional service and innovation. Together with our new board of directors, I hope to help clients as they bring products to market, and make navigating the supply chain as seamless as possible.”
Sonoma Lab Works began as a part of cannabis producer CannaCraft in 2014. The company was sold to Anderson and a group of investors earlier this year to comply with California regulations that prohibit licensed cannabis producers and distributors from owning testing laboratories. Sonoma Lab Works provides licensed analytic testing services to cannabis manufacturers and wholesalers throughout California.
Board of Directors Also Named
Sonoma Lab Works also announced the formation of the company’s board of directors in the release. The board includes Anderson, a political strategist and managing partner of Sonoma Media Investments, and Gary D. Nelson, the founder and chairman emeritus of the Nelson Family of Companies. Henry Hansel, the president of Hansel Auto Group and director of Hennesy Advisors, and Marisol G. Lopez, former chief of staff for Oakland Mayor Ron Dellums were also named as directors. Frank Yeary, former chairman of CamberView Partners and a director at Paypal and Intel Corporation, was also appointed to the board.
Anderson said his fellow board members will help the company grow with the legal cannabis marketplace.
“The board brings a diversity of experience that is unrivaled in this industry. These are skilled CEOs and business leaders with a history of execution and market leadership in their respective fields. We look forward to their insight and experience with regulated and expanding companies at a time when our company is poised for tremendous growth,” Anderson said.
