AWH Appoints Robin Debiase as the Company's First Chief People Officer

Debiase Joins AWH Executive Leadership to Drive People, Culture, and Purpose Strategy

NEW YORK, June 2, 2021 /CNW/ - Ascend Wellness Holdings, Inc. ("AWH" or the "Company") (CSE: AAWH.U), a multi-state, vertically integrated cannabis operator, is proud to introduce Robin Debiase as its first Chief People Officer. As leader of AWH's People team, Ms. Debiase spearheads HR strategies and is developing a high-performing, community-focused team in line with the Company's mission and strategic direction. Ms. Debiase joined AWH on March 29, 2021.

Ms. Debiase is a seasoned human resources executive with over 24 years of multinational leadership experience. Most recently, she was Vice President of HR at WW (formerly Weight Watchers), responsible for managing over 12,000 employees throughout North America and Brazil. Her professional emphasis on culture transformation and organizational effectiveness will be a driving force in AWH's growth. She will be responsible for creating community-first strategies that attract, develop and support talent. Ms. Debiase will oversee the company's talent acquisition and development program, diversity and inclusion initiatives and human capital strategy.

"Robin has a proven track record of aligning human resource strategy with business goals for organizations in various stages of growth and transformation," said Abner Kurtin, Founder and CEO of AWH. "It's crucial to have a strong HR leader guiding our team members and field associates as we continue to scale and open new retail locations. I'm confident in Robin's abilities to reinforce and further develop the inclusive, engaged and productive culture we've built for our valued employees at AWH."

"As AWH's first Chief People Officer, I have the unique opportunity to build the company's comprehensive HR strategy and assemble a robust and inclusive team," said Debiase. "I have an unwavering passion for the cannabis industry and look forward to working with leadership and the many teams throughout AWH to ensure we continue to foster a purpose-driven environment that supports professional growth and embodies company values."

In addition to her experience at WW, Ms. Debiase was Senior Vice President of HR at Delta Galil Industries, a global manufacturer and marketer of private label apparel products and owner of world-renowned brands such as 7 For All Mankind, Tommy Hilfiger, Columbia, Wilson and Calvin Klein. Earlier in her career, Debiase held executive leadership positions at various brands including Hanesbrands, Inc., Walgreens and Circuit City. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Human Relations from St. Joseph's College as well as an MBA with a concentration in International Business from Johns Hopkins Carey Business School.

About AWH:
AWH is a vertically integrated operator with assets and partners in Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Massachusetts and New Jersey.  AWH owns and operates state-of-the-art cultivation facilities, growing award winning strains and producing curated selection of products with effect-based categorization.  AWH produces and distributes Ozone branded products. For more information, visit www.awholdings.com. 

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release includes forward-looking information and statements, which may include, but are not limited to, information and statements regarding the plans, intentions, expectations, estimates, and beliefs of the Company. Words such as "expects", "continue", "will", "anticipates" and "intends" or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on the Company's current projections and expectations about future events and financial trends, and on certain assumptions and analysis made by the Company in light of experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments and other factors management believes are appropriate.

Forward-looking information and statements involve and are subject to assumptions and known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause actual events, results, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from future events, results, performance, and achievements expressed or implied by forward-looking information and statements herein. Such factors include, among others: the risks and uncertainties identified in the Company's registration statement on Form S-1, as amended, and in the Company's other reports and filings with the applicable Canadian securities regulators and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Although the Company believes that any forward-looking information and statements herein are reasonable, in light of the use of assumptions and the significant risks and uncertainties inherent in such information and statements, there can be no assurance that any such forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, and accordingly readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such risks and uncertainties and should not place undue reliance upon such forward-looking information and statements. Any forward-looking information and statements herein are made as of the date hereof, and except as required by applicable laws, the Company assumes no obligation and disclaims any intention to update or revise any forward-looking information and statements herein or to update the reasons that actual events or results could or do differ from those projected in any forward looking information and statements herein, whether as a result of new information, future events or results, or otherwise, except as required by applicable laws.

The CSE has not reviewed, approved or disapproved the content of this news release.

SOURCE Ascend Wellness Holdings, Inc.

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