Nelson Peltz founding partner of Trian Fund Management LP. speak at the WSJD Live conference in Laguna Beach, Calif., on Oct. 25, 2016.Mike Blake/Reuters
Aurora Cannabis Inc. said on Monday billionaire investor Nelson Peltz has stepped down as adviser, adding to troubles at the Canadian cannabis producer reeling under the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
The company tapped Mr. Peltz as a strategic adviser in March last year, betting on the consumer industry-focused investor to help the recreational cannabis producer chart its expansion into new markets. However, the pandemic has hit the cash-strapped cannabis industry hard and forced many companies to shut down. Aurora also laid off hundreds of employees this year, shut facilities and amended its loan agreements.
Aurora Cannabis named insider Miguel Martin its chief executive earlier this month, tasking him with turning around the company.
For most cannabis producers in Canada, which legalized recreational cannabis in October, 2018, profits have proved elusive owing to fewer-than-expected retail stores, cheaper rates on the black market and slow overseas growth.
Your time is valuable. Have the Top Business Headlines newsletter conveniently delivered to your inbox in the morning or evening. Sign up today.