Lisa Varley, who served as chief executive of The Entourage Effect and MiDispensary, and the company's head of communications, Tahlia Bavadra, have departed the business to co-found a new venture in the medicinal cannabis space.
The pair have established Eqwellibriyum, a consultancy aimed at helping businesses find their footing in the medicinal cannabis market.
The firm's service offering spans market strategy and expansion, white labelling, sales training, wholesaling and distribution, marketing and PR, medical education, and events and conference management.
Varley will take the role of CEO, with Bavadra stepping in as chief marketing officer.
Varley came to The Entourage Effect from Beacon Medical in April 2023, initially as managing director before moving into the CEO position that December.
Sandra De Lange, previously chief operating officer at Cannim, has been appointed to succeed her.
Varley said she and Bavadra were "incredibly excited to embark on this new venture together".
"Tahlia and I will be able to combine our skills and experience to help businesses not only navigate the Australian medicinal cannabis market but also thrive in it," she said.
"We're passionate about empowering businesses to reach their full potential through targeted strategies, operational excellence and robust marketing to ensure that Australian patients have access to the best products and services."
Bavadra, who joined The Entourage Effect in August 2023, added: “Having spent years working closely with Lisa, I’m eager to continue that journey in this new capacity. Eqwellibriyum offers a unique opportunity to work with businesses and share our knowledge to ensure they’re well-positioned for long-term success.”
Varley described her time leading The Entourage Effect and MiDispensary as an "absolute honour" during what she called a "pivotal time in the medicinal cannabis industry". Reflecting on her exit in a LinkedIn post she described as a "bittersweet moment", Varley said: "With our incredible team, we achieved so much, including growing The Entourage Effect to over 100 brands and becoming the nation's fastest-growing wholesaler and distributor.
"We also opened the MiDispensary Bondi Junction clinic and its onsite MiPharmacy, while continuing to provide nationwide telehealth appointments."
The Entourage Effect founder Eidan Havas said he was “deeply grateful” for Varley’s “visionary leadership”.
“In many ways she has helped shape The Entourage Effect into what it is today,” he said. “Lisa has been an incredible champion for the industry.”
Commenting on De Lange's appointment, Havas said: “Having served as COO at Cannim, Sandra shares our unwavering commitment to best practice in pharmaceutical operations.
“Taking control of our operations during this period of growth, she will continue to evolve The Entourage Effect to maximise efficiency and reliability for both suppliers and pharmacies.”
He added: “This transition marks an exciting new chapter for The Entourage Effect. While leadership is changing, our mission remains the same – to deliver exceptional service, cutting-edge solutions and lasting value.”
