Los Angeles, CA, April 6, 2023 – Green Gorilla, a leading player in the Hemp CBD industries, has announced the appointment of Steve De Forest as its new CEO. An experienced industry professional and business leader, De Forest will succeed Sir Steven Saxton, the Founder and previous CEO of the Company, and will immediately assume all CEO duties and responsibilities.
In his previous role as Chief Operations Officer and Chief Compliance Officer, De Forest has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and expertise in all facets of operations, including retail sales channels, product development, manufacturing and supply chain management, as well as international and domestic regulatory compliance and brand/product quality. He brings with him over three decades of experience in C-level, Executive, and Senior Management roles with Fortune 500 CPG companies, Nutritional Supplement leaders, and Health and Wellness innovators.
De Forest is the right person for the job and his six-year history with the company, coupled with his experience in managing multiple consumer retail channels and his success in driving the development and launch of global brands, make him the ideal candidate to lead the company forward.
According to Sir Steven
Mr. De Forest’s impact is expected to be significant, given his category expertise in Health and Wellness, HBA, OTC, Organic, Natural Products, and Pet Care. He is also an experienced lifestyle product creator, having taken products from conception to launch for both retail and DTC. During his career, Mr. De Forest has been instrumental in driving the development, strategy, production, and market launches of global brands such as Advil, ProActiv, GAP Scents, and Target Private Label Hair Care.
Despite numerous challenges faced by Green Gorilla, such as the Woolsey Fire in Malibu that burnt the company to the ground, a global pandemic that stifled retail sales, and a challenging regulatory environment, I helped navigate the company through all these difficulties. I am confident that I’m the right executive to guide the company into the future. I look forward to the next chapter.
Said Steve De Forest
Mr. De Forest began his undergraduate studies at UCLA and completed his education at the University of California at Irvine with disciplines in both biology and psychology. He is an active alumnus and member of UCI’s Varsity Club and Friends of UC Irvine Rowing.
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About Green Gorilla: Green Gorilla is committed to building an international brand in the emerging Hemp CBD Industries. The company’s mission is to make sustainable and ethical choices that will help preserve the planet and the future. Green Gorilla’s plant-based, non-GMO, USDA-certified organic, Cannabidiol (CBD) Hemp products include supplements, cosmetics, and pet care products. The company is a Malibu Lifestyle Company based in Agoura Hills, California.
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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Readers are cautioned that all forward-looking statements contained herein are reasonable, any assumption could be inaccurate and therefore, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking statements included in this press release will prove to be accurate. In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking statements included herein, the inclusion should not be regarded as a representation by the Company or any other person that the objectives and plans of the Company will be achieved.