SPOTLIGHT ON THE CEO
10 Questions with John Hartmann, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Ascend Wellness Holdings
In this issue of IR Update, we profile John Hartmann, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Ascend Wellness Holdings Inc., a multistate cannabis operator with assets in seven states. He joined the company in 2022. Hartmann is the former President of buybuyBaby and COO
of Bed Bath & Beyond from 2020 to 2022. Previously, from 2013-2020, he was the President & Chief Executive Officer at True Value Company, a privately owned U.S. hardware wholesaler and manufacturer. Hartmann also led New Zealand-based Mitre 10 as Chief
Executive Officer from 2010 to 2013, and held various executive positions at HD Supply, The Home Depot, and Cardinal Health. Prior to his corporate career, he served as a special agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Thanks to Rebecca Koar, Head of Investor Relations,
Strategy and External Communications at Ascend Wellness Holdings, for arranging this interview.
8 SP R I N G 2 0 24 ■ IR UPDAT E
IRU: What is the most meaningful or memorable experience you’ve had in your career and why? Hartmann: Early on I learned the importance of listening. Te role models I had in business who I observed always watched, learned, and listened. Te leaders were middle-of-the-table leaders, meaning that the voices around them were very important to them. I admire those who value the voices around them. Paying attention to these leaders taught me that listening first often leads to better solutions than speaking first, shaping a culture of learning and inclusivity in problem-solving within my teams.
IRU: How do you handle failures or setbacks, and what lessons have you learned from those experiences? Hartmann: One of my favorite business books is called “Te Obstacle is Te Way” by Ryan Holiday. We all know that failures and setbacks are inevitable in business (and life in general). Te key lesson I’ve learned is the significance of how we respond to these obstacles. Adjusting, persevering, and managing impact are critical drivers in determining business
niri.org/ irupdate
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48
