Up Cannabis Bolsters Sales & Marketing Team with Addition of Jean Richer

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Dec. 18, 2017) -

Editors Note: There is a photo associated with this press release.

Newstrike Resources Ltd. (TSX VENTURE:HIP) ("Newstrike" or the "Company"), is pleased to announce that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Up Cannabis Inc. ("Up Cannabis"), has appointed sales and marketing industry veteran, Jean Richer, as Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing to lead its brand strategy and execution.

Jay Wilgar, CEO of Newstrike and Up Cannabis, explains Richer's depth of expertise stems from over two decades of leadership in the sales & marketing space, with varied experience from numerous sectors. "We are delighted to welcome Jean to the Up Cannabis team, and are excited for him to helm the brand. His expertise, gleaned from years working in the consumer packaged goods, consumer beverage alcohol and consumer electronics industries, will prove invaluable as we move forward." He adds that Richer's background, steeped in both the marketer-client and agency worlds, will strongly inform Up Cannabis' strategic view on how to bring the brand to market.

In his new role, Richer will oversee the continuing development of the Up Cannabis brand and go-to-market strategy. He joins Up Cannabis after working eight years as SVP at Mosaic & Acosta Sales & Marketing in Toronto. Richer's former roles also include positions at ABInBev, Independent Distillers, and Canada Dry Mott's Inc. (a division of Dr. Pepper Snapple Group).

"Beyond joining what has become one of the most exciting industries in the world," says Richer, "I'm especially thrilled to be a part of the team at Up Cannabis. This dynamic brand is already poised to become one of the premier adult-use cannabis brands, with the backing of strategic partners including The Tragically Hip, and clearly paving the way for like-minded brands in the space. I look forward to helping build an educational platform for adult-use consumers who are eager to learn more about cannabis, and a brand that quickly becomes the envy of the industry."

A native of Montreal and an alumnus of HEC (Hautes Études Commerciales), Richer is fluently bilingual. He will be based at the brand's Oakville, Ontario head office.

About Newstrike and Up Cannabis

Newstrike is the parent company of Up Cannabis Inc., a licensed producer of cannabis that received its cultivation license on December 19, 2016. Newstrike, together with its strategic partners, is developing a diverse network of high quality cannabis brands. For more information visit www.up.ca or www.newstrike.ca