Nextleaf Announces Leadership Transition and Strategic Review; Sam Kassem Appointed Interim CEO

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 15, 2026) - Nextleaf Solutions Ltd. ("Nextleaf" or the "Company"), an innovation-driven Canadian cannabis processor, announces that Emma Andrews has stepped down as Chief Executive Officer, President and a director of the Company. The Board of Directors has appointed Sam Kassem, the Company's current Chief Financial Officer and a director of the Company, as Interim Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Andrews has been with Nextleaf for eight years and has served as Chief Executive Officer since September 2023, following five years as Director of Marketing. During her tenure, she contributed to the Company's evolution into a consumer-packaged goods business, the development of its brands and commercial capabilities, and the expansion of its presence in domestic and international cannabis markets. "Leading Nextleaf has been an extraordinary privilege, and I am deeply grateful to the people who have contributed to this Company and its evolution," said Andrews. "I am incredibly proud of what our team has built together, and particularly proud of the people and culture behind those accomplishments. I remain confident in Nextleaf's team, brands, capabilities and the opportunities ahead." To support an orderly transition, Andrews will remain engaged with the Company under a separate advisory arrangement for a transition period, assisting with the handover of key relationships and commercial priorities. "Emma has made a meaningful contribution to Nextleaf over many years," said Kassem. "On behalf of the Board and the entire Nextleaf team, we want to thank her for her leadership, commitment and contributions to the Company." Sam Kassem has served as Chief Financial Officer since September 2023 and as a director of the Company since December 2023. He brings more than a decade of cannabis industry experience, including co-founding and building a U.S.-based cannabis business and holding senior leadership roles across Canada and the United States, with extensive international business experience. Kassem's appointment as Interim Chief Executive Officer comes as the Company enters a renewed phase of strategic, operational and financial focus. The Board and management intend to undertake a comprehensive review of the business, with an emphasis on improving profitability, strengthening cash generation, increasing operating efficiency and focusing resources on the Company's highest-value commercial opportunities. The Board will also undertake a comprehensive executive search for a permanent CEO to lead the Company into its next phase. "As I step into this role, my immediate priority is to take a disciplined and objective look at the business and ensure that our strategy, resources and capital are aligned with the opportunities that offer the strongest potential returns," said Kassem. "Our focus will be on strengthening performance and positioning Nextleaf to create sustainable long-term shareholder value." The Company remains focused on serving its customers and partners, maintaining operational continuity and executing its near-term priorities while the review and CEO search are underway. Nextleaf will provide further updates as appropriate. About Nextleaf Solutions Nextleaf® is an innovation-driven life sciences company and licensed cannabis processor with a portfolio of consumer brands, market-validated cannabis derivative products and high-potency bulk ingredients. Nextleaf's patented extraction and distillation technology supports the efficient processing of cannabis at scale. The Company's platform combines intellectual property, patented technology and operational capabilities to support the development and commercialization of differentiated cannabinoid-based products for domestic and international markets. Nextleaf's portfolio includes more than 75 global patents covering the extraction and refinement of cannabinoid...