Akerna Names Alex Shah CTO

DENVER, Nov. 27, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Akerna Corp. (Nasdaq: KERN), a leading cannabis compliance technology provider and developer of the cannabis industry’s first seed-to-sale enterprise resource planning (ERP) software technology (MJ Platform^®), has named Ashesh C. Shah (Alex), chief technology officer (CTO). As CTO, Alex will leverage his more than 20 years of expertise in IP, licensing, consumer loyalty, couponing and payment technology, category management, data analytics, and AI to help Akerna set the new industry standard for supply accountability and transparency.

“One of our primary initiatives here at Akerna will always be to lead through innovation. Having a proven technology veteran like Alex as our CTO is expected to help us do just that, further helping us build upon recent operational momentum. His familiarity with our company and technology, both as a former board member and the founder of solo sciences, makes him ideally suited for this new and more hands-on role,” said Jessica Billingsley, chief executive officer, Akerna. “I look forward to working with him as we together focus on executing our technology vision and goals as we enter 2020.”

Shah previously served on Akerna’s board of directors. Shah will remain CEO of solo sciences, a recognized leader of patented anti-counterfeiting and consumer engagement technologies. Akerna announced it had taken a majority stake in the company on November 26, 2019.

“Cannabis continues to be one of the fastest-growing industries. Explosive growth can come with inherent risks if not approached the right way,” said Alex Shah. “What we’re doing at Akerna is exciting because, through our technology, we empower the consumer by fostering regulatory compliance and transparency. Our technology uniquely results in the creation of consumer trust in the products they are buying, ensuring they are safe and can be traced back to the source.”

The appointment is effective upon the closing of Akerna’s deal to take a majority stake in solo sciences.

About Akerna:

Akerna is a global regulatory compliance technology company in the cannabis space. Akerna’s service offerings include MJ Platform^®, Leaf Data Systems^®, and solo sciences tech platform. Since its establishment in 2010, the company has tracked more than $16 billion in cannabis sales. As part of its business strategy, Akerna intends to grow through targeted, strategic acquisitions that are complementary to its current business and organically by accelerating its product development efforts. Akerna is based in Denver.

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