Leadership

Meet the visionaries and industry experts driving Sunrise's mission to revolutionize plant medicine and healthcare.

Executive Leadership

Steve Shiffman

CEO

Steve Shiffman is a seasoned executive with over three decades of experience in retail and consumer products. As the CEO of Sunrise, Steve leverages his extensive background to drive the company's mission of delivering innovative, patient-centric solutions in the cannabis industry. Formerly the CEO of Calvin Klein, he has a proven track record of implementing visionary strategies and driving results. Steve's leadership is instrumental in guiding Sunrise toward sustainable growth and global impact.

Gökçe Yilmaz Matthijssen

CFO

As CFO of Sunrise, Gökçe Yilmaz Matthijssen offers a rich background in finance and technology. She has established several successful early-stage tech companies that have generated billions in revenue. Gökçe's expertise in finance and her familiarity with the tech industry are crucial assets to Sunrise. Her experience in expanding and strengthening companies aligns with Sunrise's mission of sustainable growth and innovation in the cannabis sector.

Clay Douglass

CPO

With over 20 years of experience launching more than thirty organizations worldwide, Clay Douglass brings a wealth of entrepreneurial expertise to Sunrise. As Chief Product Officer, Clay's proficiency in early-stage companies and technology significantly contributes to the company's mission. Since 2014, he has been instrumental in bringing artificial intelligence applications to life, aligning perfectly with Sunrise's focus on innovative, data-driven platforms that empower patients and streamline compliance across international cannabis markets.

Dr. Nicolai Berardi

CMO

With a robust background in healthcare innovation, Dr. Nicolai Berardi excels at integrating medical expertise with business acumen. As Chief Medical Officer, he has demonstrated outstanding professionalism in patient care and strategic healthcare management. Dr. Berardi's entrepreneurial spirit is evident through his active engagement in leading-edge medical solutions, reflecting his commitment to advancing healthcare practices and aligning perfectly with Sunrise's mission to revolutionize plant medicine and healthcare.

Marc Eversfield

Global Director of Sales

Marc Eversfield is a dynamic sales leader with extensive experience in the cannabis industry. As the Global Director of Sales at Sunrise, Marc spearheads the company's efforts to shape the cannabis world alongside industry leaders. His strategic approach and deep understanding of the market drive Sunrise's mission to deliver accessible, patient-first cannabis solutions on a global scale. Marc's previous roles at Curaleaf International and Greenstein have equipped him with the skills to lead high-performing sales teams and foster meaningful industry partnerships.

Justin Ambar

Global Director of Cultivation, QA and Regulatory Compliance

Justin Ambar is a skilled professional specializing in cultivation, quality assurance and regulatory compliance. With a solid foundation built during five years in the food manufacturing sector, Justin transitioned into the cannabis industry in 2017. His expertise in quality assurance and experience as a Regulatory Officer have been instrumental in propelling Sunrise to new heights. Justin ensures that Sunrise adheres to the highest standards of compliance and quality, supporting the company's mission of building a secure and transparent platform for consumers, patients and healthcare providers.

Advisory Board

Michael Saunders

Advisory Board

Michael Saunders is an accomplished business executive with over 15 years of C-suite experience leading large organizations in healthcare, consumer products, and services sectors. As a dynamic leader with a talent for implementing visionary strategies, Michael's background provides Sunrise with a unique understanding of the market. His expertise supports the company's mission of advancing patient-centric, regulatory-compliant solutions in the cannabis industry.

Q De RHINO

Advisory Board

Q De RHINO is a visionary artist and entrepreneur based in Spain, focused on shaping the future through sustainable agriculture and technology. By blending art and technology, Q creates innovative solutions with a positive impact. His work is driven by a deep sense of purpose and has received international recognition. Q's creative approach and commitment to sustainability align with Sunrise's dedication to fostering impactful technology and ethical practices in the cannabis industry.

Kevian Steiner

Advisory Board

Kevian Steiner brings a diverse background as a serial entrepreneur to his role on Sunrise's Advisory Board. With experience in industries such as beverages, hospitality, entertainment, and real estate, Kevian is a versatile member of the team. His entrepreneurial spirit and expertise in growing and expanding businesses are critical factors in Sunrise's continued growth. Kevian's broad industry knowledge and creative thinking support the company's mission of driving forward innovative, patient-focused solutions in the cannabis sector.