Brendan Kennedy

Brendan’s Biography

Brendan Kennedy is the Founder & Fmr. Chief Executive Officer at Tilray, a global leader in the medical cannabis industry. Tilray was the first GMP-certified medical cannabis producer to supply products to patients, researchers, and the medical community, earning itself the recognition of being a pioneer in cannabis research, cultivation, processing, and distribution

In 2011, along with Michael Blue and Christian Groh, Brendan Co-founded Privateer Holdings, the world’s first private equity firm that focuses on exclusive investments in legal cannabis. At Privateer, Brendan used his background of entrepreneurship and hands-on business experience to successfully lead the development of new and existing companies, origination and distribution of products, and management of operations. While he was at the helm of Privateer, the firm raised over $200 million to build a prominent and globalized portfolio of leaders in the cannabis industry.

Brendan has always had a voracious appetite for information and keen insight into technology and growth industries, both of which led him to the forefront... Brendan Kennedy is the Founder & Fmr. Chief Executive Officer at Tilray, a global leader in the medical cannabis industry. Tilray was the first GMP-certified medical cannabis producer to supply products to patients, researchers, and the medical community, earning itself the recognition of being a pioneer in cannabis research, cultivation, processing, and distribution

In 2011, along with Michael Blue and Christian Groh, Brendan Co-founded Privateer Holdings, the world’s first private equity firm that focuses on exclusive investments in legal cannabis. At Privateer, Brendan used his background of entrepreneurship and hands-on business experience to successfully lead the development of new and existing companies, origination and distribution of products, and management of operations. While he was at the helm of Privateer, the firm raised over $200 million to build a prominent and globalized portfolio of leaders in the cannabis industry.

Brendan has always had a voracious appetite for information and keen insight into technology and growth industries, both of which led him to the forefront of consultation and solutions for the venture-backed business community. Prior to co-founding Privateer, he served as the Chief Operating Officer of Silicon Valley Bank Analytics from 2010 to 2011 and as Managing Director from 2006 to 2010. In these roles, he oversaw an international team that rendered valuation opinions for a range of companies that specialize in emerging growth technology, venture capital and life science.

Brendan earned a bachelor's degree from the University of California, Berkeley, before going on to study Engineering at the University of Washington. He later earned his MBA from the Yale School of Management. more less

Brendan’s Newsfeed

Yahoo! News

Aphria-Tilray deal: Tilray shareholders approve tie-up with Aphria

Brendan Kennedy, CEO of Tilray, speaks on Tilray's future opportunities for growth as the company's shareholders approve a deal with Aphria.

Brendan’s Background

Tilray

Founder & Fmr. CEO | Fmr. Board member

Aug 2013 - Nov 2022

Nanaimo, CA

Tilray is the only GMP certified medical cannabis producer, serving researchers, patients, hospitals, governments and physicians around the globe in Europe, the US, Canada and Australia.

Privateer Holdings, Inc.

Executive Chairman

Jul 2018 - Dec 2019

Seattle, WA, USA

Privateer Holdings is a private equity firm that is actively shaping the remarkably promising cannabis marketplace through the development of strategic acquisitions and investments. Through a combination of acquisitions, investments, and incubation, Privateer is focused on building a portfolio of global brands that will lead, legitimize, and define the future of cannabis.

Privateer Holdings, Inc.

Chief Executive Officer

Apr 2011 - Jul 2018

Seattle, WA, USA

Privateer Holdings, a private equity firm, works to innovate the cannabis market by developing a series of strategic acquisitions and investments. Privateer prioritizes building a portfolio of brands from around the world to form the industry's future.

Leafly

President

Dec 2011 - May 2018

Seattle, WA, USA

Leafly is the world's largest cannabis website. Over 10 million adult consumers and medical marijuana patients visit leafly each month to find cannabis strains nearby, browse strains, read news, and review clinics through an attractive and nurturing online environment.

Silicon Valley Bank Analytics

COO & Managing Director

May 2006 - Apr 2011

Santa Clara, CA, USA

For over 35 years, Silicon Valley Bank has supported founders and entrepreneurs. In helping many leading innovators get their start, SVB works with customers through the ups and downs of growing a business.

Marley Natural

President

Nov 2014 - Present

New York, NY, USA

Marley Natural is committed to creating quality flower, accessories, and body care products to showcase and bring awareness to the positive impacts that medical cannabis can bring.

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Current Board Positions

Tilray

Board of Directors

Jan 2018 - Nov 2022

Nanaimo, CA

Tilray is a global leader in medical cannabis research and production dedicated to providing safe, consistent and reliable therapy to patients. It is the only GMP certified medical cannabis producer currently supplying products to thousands of patients, physicians, pharmacies, hospitals, governments and researchers in Australia, Canada, the European Union and the Americas.

Previous Board Positions

Privateer Holdings, Inc.

Board of Directors

2011 - 2019

Seattle, WA, USA

Privateer Holdings is a private equity firm that is actively shaping the remarkably promising cannabis marketplace through the development of strategic acquisitions and investments. Through a combination of acquisitions, investments, and incubation, Privateer is focused on building a portfolio of global brands that will lead, legitimize, and define the future of cannabis.

Media

Closing Bell: Aphria and Tilray merge in an all-stock deal as demand for cannabis grows

Interview

Dec 2020

New York, NY, USA

Aphria and Tilray are merging in an all-stock deal to form the largest cannabis company by revenue. Aphria CEO Irwin Simon and Tilray CEO Brendan Kennedy join ‘Closing Bell’ to talk about the growth of consumer demand for cannabis in the U.S.

The Wall Street Journal

"A CEO Tries to Navigate the Legal Cannabis Sector’s Bad Trip"

Mar 2020

New York, NY, USA

Brendan Kennedy, CEO of Privateer Holdings, Inc. and CEO of Tilray, talks with Chris Kornelis about the burgeoning legal marijuana industry and the opportunities and challenges it poses.

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Press Releases

Tilray® Receives Approvals to Expand and Commercialize Medical Cannabis Products in New Zealand

Mar 2021

Tilray, Inc., led by Brendan Kennedy, received approval from New Zealand's Ministry of Health as well as the Medicinal Cannabis Agency to bring products into the country.