TEAM BIO-SMART
Morris Beegle
Morris Beegle is the President of We Are For Better Alternatives (WAFBA), a company focused on education, advocacy, and business development in the hemp industry. A seasoned entrepreneur and industry leader, he engages global audiences through live events, podcasts, webinars, and media platforms.
Under the WAFBA umbrella, Beegle organizes leading hemp-focused events, including the NoCo Hemp Expo and the EIHA Conference, and fosters global collaboration through the Experience Hemp International platform. He also publishes Let’s Talk Hemp and oversees several hemp-based product brands, such as Silver Mountain Hemp Guitars, Tree Free Hemp Paper and Printing, and One Planet Hemp, a merchandise line featuring apparel, posters, and accessories.
Beyond business, Beegle has been a vocal advocate for domestic and international hemp policy reform, working to advance legislation, sustainable practices, and global trade development. His efforts support the expansion of the hemp industry worldwide, bridging markets, promoting innovation, and driving regulatory progress.
Paul Benhaim
With over 30 years of global experience, Paul Benhaim is a leading authority in the hemp and cannabis industries. As the founder of The Hemp Plastic Company, Hemp Foods Australia, Elixinol and many more as well as a pioneer in sustainable innovation, Paul has successfully launched and scaled multiple businesses across the USA, Australia, Europe and Asia. His expertise spans industry and product development, regulatory navigation, and market strategy, making him a sought-after advisor for Governments, public companies and start-ups looking to enter or expand in the hemp and cannabis sectors.
Paul’s deep connection to hemp began in the 1990s where he developed one of the first hemp food products in the UK that became a runaway success. He created the first commercial hemp plastic product in the world (and still is Chair of the largest hemp plastic corporation in the world), has advised Governments in America, Europe, Africa, Australia and Asia (Thailand and Japan predominantly) with projects that continue to be leading the way. An accomplished author of 14 books, international speaker, and panel MC, Paul brings a wealth of knowledge and practical insights to help businesses thrive in this rapidly evolving industry.
Strategic TEAM PARTNERS of the BIO-SMART GROUP
Beau Whitney
Founder of Whitney Economics
Beau Whitney is the founder and Chief Economist at Whitney Economics, a global leader in cannabis and hemp business consulting, data, and economic research. Based in Portland, Oregon, he is recognized as one of the top cannabis and hemp economists in the U.S. and internationally. His application of economic principles to industry challenges has shaped policy and business strategies worldwide.
In 2022, Beau presented cannabis and hemp economic insights at the United Nations. His white papers on adult-use, medical, and industrial cannabis markets have been cited by major outlets, including The Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, New York Times, and USA Today.
A member of the American Economic Association and president of the Oregon chapter of the National Association for Business Economics, Beau serves on multiple regulatory advisory committees and the Oregon Governor’s Council of Economic Advisors, providing expert policy recommendations at state, national, and international levels.
Lorenza Romanese
Managing Director, EIHA
Lorenza is the Managing Director of EIHA. Based in EIHA’s Brussels office, Lorenza is an experienced policy advisor and communication manager at the European level. She has led EIHA’s efforts in Brussels since February 2019, having worked with a number of MEPs to propose reforms affecting hemp in the EU’s Common Agriculture Policy.
Lorenza previously advised interests in the oil and gas sector and led the European Association of independent Winegrowers. Lorenza helped to put together in November 2019 a Consortium of companies in EIHA conducting CBD and THC toxicological studies in humans and animals. She is currently overseeing parts of the regulatory process and scientific approach.
Lorenza was appointed in March 2022 as co-chair of the policy and regulation committee of FIHO (Federation of International Hemp Organizations), a global association that identifies and creates opportunities to scale sustainable hemp production, marketing, and trade.
Trenton Birch
CEO of Cheeba Africa
Trenton Birch is the CEO and co-founder of Cheeba Africa, a leading South African cannabis and hemp education, training, and consulting company. Under his leadership, Cheeba Africa has become a top industry player, launching Africa’s first dedicated cannabis campus and the continent’s only accredited higher education institution in the sector.
Through Cheeba Cannabis & Hemp Consulting, Trenton has led projects across Africa, developing medical cannabis facilities and hemp supply chains. He is also a founding director of Friends of Hemp South Africa and a recognized thought leader, frequently speaking at industry events and advising government initiatives, including South Africa’s Cannabis Master Plan.
Before entering the cannabis industry, Trenton had a distinguished career in music, working with Live Nation and leading creative media education at SAE Institute. He also co-founded Bridges for Music, helping establish a groundbreaking music and entrepreneurship campus in Cape Town.
Tony Budden
CoFounder & Director of Hemporium (Pty) Ltd
Tony Budden is a pioneering leader in South Africa’s hemp industry with over 25 years of experience in business development, product innovation, and policy advocacy. As co-founder and Director of Hemporium (Pty) Ltd, South Africa’s leading hemp company, he has been instrumental in establishing the country’s industrial hemp sector. His expertise spans the full value chain, from cultivation and processing to manufacturing and market development in textiles, construction, nutrition, and personal care.
Beyond business, Budden has played a key role in policy advocacy, collaborating with government and industry stakeholders to advance sustainable hemp regulation. He is an active speaker at national and international forums, promoting hemp’s potential for economic growth, environmental sustainability, and rural development. His extensive industry knowledge and commitment to responsible innovation position him as a respected authority in industrial hemp and sustainable business strategy.
Dr. Zorodzai J.T Maroveke
Founder of ZIHT
Dr. Zorodzai J.T. Maroveke is the Founder and CEO of the Zimbabwe Industrial Hemp Trust (ZIHT) and a trailblazing force in Zimbabwe’s cannabis industry. Since 2015, she has championed the legalization and development of industrial hemp, earning recognition as one of the most daring and influential women in the space. Dr. Maroveke holds a degree in Dental Surgery and a diploma in Stomatology from the prestigious Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine in China. A self-taught hemp advocate, she authored a groundbreaking concept note in 2016 that catalyzed national conversations around cannabis reform. In 2017, she established ZIHT, which has played a pivotal role in the legal recognition of industrial hemp in Zimbabwe. Dr. Maroveke is currently leading the country’s first industrial hemp trials and is instrumental in forming a national cannabis association to unify and empower stakeholders in the sector.
Anndrea Hermann
Founder of The Ridge International Cannabis Consulting (TRICC)
Anndrea Hermann, M.Sc, B.GS, P.Ag, is a globally recognized hemp industry leader with over 26 years of experience in Canadian and international cannabis sectors. Her expertise spans hemp agronomy, regulations, product development, marketing, and sustainability. She has played a key role in advancing hemp cultivation, processing, and standards worldwide.
A pioneer in hemp education, Anndrea was the lead instructor for Oregon State University’s first industrial hemp course, which helped lay the foundation for OSU’s Global Hemp Innovation Center. She co-founded the Gerhard E. Dekker Regenerative Education Center and is a dedicated Scouts Canada leader.
Anndrea’s contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including the Hemp Industries Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award and induction into the Hemp History Hall of Fame. Passionate about education, she continues to share her knowledge, advocate for hemp’s future, and inspire the next generation through books, outreach, and industry leadership.
Robert Hoban
Executive Chairman at Greenbridge Proven Strategies
Known as the “Cannsigliere,” Bob Hoban has been a driving force in the hemp and cannabis industries for over 16 years, shaping policy, business strategy, and legal frameworks worldwide. Recognized by Forbes in 2022 as one of the top cannabis industry power players, he has advised governments, businesses, and investors on market expansion and regulatory strategy.
As a leading cannabis attorney (Hoban Law Group, Clark Hill) for nearly 17 years, Bob represented industry giants and influenced policy in over 30 countries and 10 U.S. states, including his ongoing work with the Kingdom of Morocco. He is a professor at UNLV’s Cannabis Policy Institute and has developed cannabis curricula at multiple universities.
Now, through Greenbridge Proven Strategies (GPS), he serves as a fractional Chief Strategy Officer for international cannabis firms. A Forbes columnist and host of The Hoban Minute podcast, Bob continues to shape the industry through strategic consulting and policy leadership.
Mark Reinders
CEO of HempFlax
Mark Reinders is CEO of the HempFlax group of companies. He is one of the most creative, practical and experienced professionals in the field of European hemp. Mark tirelessly researches, implements and promotes both environmentally responsible and sustainable manufacturing processes, and new uses for hemp.
Mark grew up on his family’s farm, one of the first to grow hemp for HempFlax. A six month internship at HempFlax in 2002 further encouraged his interest in the long-neglected traditional Dutch crop. Experience at agricultural and recycling companies convinced him that sustainable practices should be implemented right from the beginning of any supply chain. Returning to HempFlax as Vice President in 2008, he has implemented this vision with dedication and success. As CEO, he continues to strive for the highest possible standards. His dedication to innovation in every stage of the hemp process, from seed to finished product, has made HempFlax a world leader in the industry.
Tanya Clarke
CEO of Invegrow
Tanya Clarke is a British entrepreneur with over 11 years of experience in the hemp and cannabis industry across Malawi and South Africa. In 2013, she co-founded Invegrow Ltd, Malawi’s first cannabis-focused company. Under her leadership, Invegrow conducted trials on industrial hemp varieties with the Malawian government, contributing to the Cannabis Act of 2020, which legalized industrial hemp and medicinal cannabis cultivation.
In 2021, Invegrow was awarded Malawi’s first cannabis cultivation license, expanding into hemp-based products such as CBD, cosmetics, and hemp foods. Clarke’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and economic development extends to her roles as Director and Founder at Kawandama Hills Plantation and Genscore Africa, as well as Founder and Trustee of Expand UK charity.
Clarke has been a strong advocate for the legalization of hemp and cannabis in Africa, positioning these crops as viable alternatives to traditional cash crops like tobacco and driving economic growth in the region’s agricultural sector.
Mattie Mead
CEO of Hempitecture
Mattie Mead is an entrepreneur dedicated to transforming the built environment through sustainable materials. As Founder and CEO of Hempitecture, he leads the development of bio-based, natural fiber nonwovens derived from industrial hemp, offering eco-friendly alternatives to traditional building materials. His work advances decarbonization and sustainability in construction.
Under Mattie’s leadership, Hempitecture has become a leader in the sustainable building sector, earning him a spot on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in Manufacturing & Industry in 2020. A TEDx speaker and decarbonization advocate, he is reimagining construction with a focus on health, sustainability, and carbon sequestration.
Beyond his work with Hempitecture, Mattie has served on the Board of Idaho BaseCamp, Ketchum’s Planning and Zoning Commission, and as Chair of the Historical Preservation Commission. A graduate of Hobart College, he lives in Ketchum, Idaho, where he continues to drive innovation in sustainable building solutions.
Chad Rosen
Founder of Victory Hemp Foods
An impact entrepreneur, Chad has launched businesses and products that drive innovation, foster local communities, and leverage regenerative resources while delivering strong financial returns. With expertise in leading ventures across industries, he has successfully guided concepts from prototypes to market, earning Cradle to Cradle certification, B-Corp status, and investor exits.
As founder of Victory Hemp Foods, Chad has worked to introduce innovative hemp-based ingredients to the food industry. His leadership in rebuilding the domestic hemp supply chain earned him an invitation to the White House’s Global Entrepreneur Summit in 2016. There, he discussed Victory Hemp Foods’ role in shaping the future of hemp-based food systems both domestically and internationally.
Committed to sustainability and economic impact, Chad continues to advance the hemp industry, forging partnerships and driving market adoption of high-quality, plant-based ingredients.
Sergiy Kovalenkov
Founder of Hempire Holdings
Sergiy Kovalenkov is a globally recognized leader in hemp construction with over 14 years of experience. In 2015, he founded Hempire UA in Ukraine, developing the award-winning, carbon-negative Hempire Mix insulation. Before the 2022 Russian invasion, Hempire was a leading force in the hemp-lime industry, supplying innovative, sustainable materials across Ukraine and the EU.
In 2018, Sergiy launched Hempire USA to expand operations in North America, offering binder production and distribution licenses. A co-founder of the U.S. Hemp Building Association, he has led educational initiatives to advance hemp-based construction.
A sought-after speaker, Sergiy shares his expertise in energy efficiency and sustainable building at global conferences. Through his nonprofit, Hemp Ukraine Recover, he is spearheading the construction of the largest hemp residential complex in western Ukraine for refugees and orphans. His mission remains clear—accelerating the transition to sustainable, healthy homes worldwide.
HL Hongliang Ding
Founder of Hemp Fortex
HL Hongliang Ding is a distinguished Chinese entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience in the hemp industry. In 1999, he founded Hemp Fortex Industries Ltd. in Qingdao, China, with a vision to create luxurious, eco-friendly textiles. Under his leadership, the company has grown into a global supplier of sustainable fabrics for brands like Walmart, Banana Republic, and Patagonia.
Ding is committed to sustainability, using natural fibers like hemp and organic cotton in Hemp Fortex’s vertically integrated manufacturing process. He has championed hemp as a superior natural fiber, emphasizing its strength and eco-friendliness. The company’s motto, “conscience without compromise,” reflects this philosophy.
Beyond business, Ding has led philanthropic efforts through the Hemp Fortex Foundation, established in 2013 to support individuals with disabilities. The company also donates garments to causes like the Leprosy Project in Sichuan, showcasing Ding’s commitment to social responsibility.
Robert Kiama
CEO of Ledge African Limited
Robert Kiama is a strategist and policy advocate driving Africa’s agricultural and economic transformation. As CEO of Ledge African Limited, he develops solutions for water allocation, land use, food trade, post-harvest management, processing, and food safety to enhance sustainability and resilience.
A leading industrial hemp proponent, Robert is cultivating hemp for research while working with Kenyan officials and global stakeholders to shape policies supporting the hemp industry in Kenya and across the African Union. His efforts focus on biobased materials, sustainable agriculture, and economic diversification.
Through Ledge African Limited, Robert is advancing policy-driven solutions for food security, regenerative agriculture, and industrial innovation. His collaborations with government, research institutions, and international partners are paving the way for a more sustainable and self-reliant Africa.
Maximiliano Baranoff
Co-founder IHS Grupo
Maximiliano Baranoff has a degree in International Relations, has a Master’s degree in Innovation and Economic Development at the University of Santiago de Compostela (Spain) and is co-founder of IHS Grupo. He has been working for 10 years within the ecosystem of sustainable production processes; he specializes in creating solutions that decarbonize supply chains, developing new markets and circular products.
Since 2021, together with IHS Grupo, he has developed the industrial hemp value chain in Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay due to its competitive advantages. In each country, strong public-private articulation work has been done in order to develop each link in the hemp supply chain, from the origination of raw materials from the field, through technical validations with industries that seek to decarbonize their value chains, to obtaining public funds and mobilization of private capital for the primary transformation infrastructure of the hemp crop.
Liz Geisleman
CEO of Rocky Mountain Reagents
Liz Geisleman is a seasoned executive and cannabis consultant with over 25 years of experience bridging science, business, and policy in the chemical and cannabis industries. As CEO of Rocky Mountain Reagents, she has developed compliance systems and high-purity chemical solutions for aerospace, forensics, and cannabis extraction.
With deep expertise in regulatory compliance and market expansion, Liz has spent over a decade shaping U.S. cannabis policy. She serves as Treasurer for the National Cannabis Industry Association and has contributed to CHAMP (Colorado Hemp Advancement Management Plan) and the National Cannabis Laboratory Council.
Through her consultancy and co-founding of the Canna Consortium, she has helped cannabis businesses navigate GMP, ISO certification, product development, and supply chain resilience. A sought-after speaker and advisor, Liz provides strategic guidance on regulatory reform, manufacturing protocols, and global expansion, helping companies align operations with evolving industry standards.
Felipe Favaro
GM at Elixinol Wellness
Felipe Favaro is a results-driven General Manager at Elixinol Wellness, a leading global provider of hemp-based wellness products. With over 15 years of corporate leadership and business operations experience, he holds a GAICD credential from the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a CVM certification from the Brazilian Securities Commission, showcasing his expertise in governance, finance, and investment.
His core strengths include strategic planning, business development, risk management, supply chain optimization, and team leadership. Felipe has successfully driven revenue growth, operational efficiency, and market expansion in the food, beverage, and venture capital sectors. He has launched innovative products in emerging markets like Japan and Australia, attracting investors and incubators.
Committed to fostering a high-performance work culture, Felipe empowers teams to maximize efficiency while aligning with company values. His expertise in negotiation, data analysis, and project management allows him to collaborate effectively with senior leadership, stakeholders, and key partners.
Sharon Deidre Leyson(Dydy)
Vice President Thai Industrial Trade Association
Sharon Deidre Leyson (Dydy) is a global strategist specializing in industrial hemp, bio-based materials, and international market development. With a background in media, event management, and corporate strategy, she has been instrumental in advancing hemp industry regulation and commercialization. As Vice President of International Affairs for the Thai Industrial Hemp Trade Association (TiHTA), she works to position Thailand as a key player in the global hemp sector, fostering international collaboration.
A trusted advisor and policy advocate, Dydy partners with governments, private enterprises, and industry stakeholders to establish regulatory frameworks and ethical business practices. Her expertise spans market development, government relations, and strategic partnerships, helping businesses navigate the emerging bio-based economy. Through leadership roles in CannSociety Club Co., The Cann Biz Co., and Asia Media Services, she promotes innovation in sustainable materials, supporting hemp’s adoption in manufacturing, construction, and other industries.
Anar Artur
CEO of Hemp Mongolia
Anar Artur is the founder and CEO of Hemp Mongolia LLC, leading efforts to establish Mongolia’s hemp industry. For nearly a decade, he has worked to educate the Mongolian government on hemp’s medicinal and industrial benefits. His persistence led to a milestone in 2023 when Hemp Mongolia secured a special permit from the Ministry of Health to produce hemp-derived medicine, launching the country’s first trial.
Under his leadership, the company cultivates high-CBD hemp strains, aiming to process and export hemp-based products. With plans to develop 15,000 hectares of Mongolia’s wild hemp and lease 5,000 hectares for commercial cultivation, Hemp Mongolia is rapidly expanding. An extraction facility is underway, positioning the company as a leader in cannabinoid production.
By blending traditional knowledge with modern innovation, Anar and his team are transforming Mongolia into a Central Asian hemp hub, fostering economic growth and promoting hemp’s role in environmental restoration.
