TORONTO — Organigram Global Inc. appointed James Yamanaka chief executive officer. Formerly global head of strategy for British American Tobacco, Yamanaka is expected to assume the role on or about January 15, 2026. He also will join the company’s board of directors.
Yamanaka spent more than 20 years at British American Tobacco, with experience in strategy and general management across Europe and Asia. His career is distinguished by creating value-driven strategies, transforming businesses, and delivering commercial results.
As global head of strategy at BAT, Yamanaka was instrumental in developing the Group strategy. Prior to that, he served as area director for North Asia (Japan and South Korea). Before his role in Asia, he transformed BAT’s Northern Europe Area from a traditional business into one positioned for growth through the acquisition of a nicotine pouch business that has become the largest growth category for the BAT group.
Peter Amirault, current board chairman, was appointed to serve as executive chair on an interim basis effective December 1, to oversee day-to-day management of the company until Yamanaka fully assumes the CEO role. During this period, Geoff Machum, chair of the board’s Governance, Nominating, and Sustainability Committee, will serve as the independent lead director.
Yamanaka holds a BA in Political Science and Economics from UC San Diego, an M.S. in Foreign Service from Georgetown University, and an MBA from London Business School. He will be based in Toronto.
