Carl Haffner | Cannabis Trades Association

Carl Haffner is an accomplished business leader, advisor, and entrepreneur with over two decades of experience across industries such as medical cannabis, biosciences, food agriculture, security, and LED technology. Renowned for his strategic insight and operational expertise, Carl combines visionary leadership with hands-on problem-solving to deliver transformative results in complex, regulated environments.

Advisory Expertise

Carl has advised over 25 companies in nine countries within the last 27 months, offering tailored solutions for start-ups and mature enterprises alike. His expertise includes:

Strategic Due Diligence: Evaluating investment opportunities and operational viability for informed decision-making.
Regulatory Compliance Guidance: Achieving certifications like EU GMP and GACP to ensure competitive global positioning.
Business Reorganisation: Streamlining operations and aligning teams for maximum efficiency.
Market Entry & Expansion: Navigating licensing, geopolitical, and operational challenges for global growth.
Risk Mitigation: Crafting strategies for security and business continuity in volatile regions

Leadership Excellence

Carl’s leadership acumen is evident in his accomplishments, including:

Scaling Businesses: Co-founding and leading Avida Global to a £30 million valuation.
Transformational Leadership: Driving operational turnarounds and fostering a culture of accountability and innovation.
Global Team Management: Coordinating operations across continents, from Chinese manufacturing to Colombian cultivation.
Strategic Execution: Aligning long-term strategies with market trends and investor expectations.

Specialised Knowledge

With a focus on bridging strategic oversight and operational execution, Carl offers expertise in:

Medical Cannabis: Over eight years of sector experience, including cultivation, compliance, and product development.
International Operations: Navigating regulatory and cultural complexities in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
Security & Risk Management: Ensuring operational stability in high-stakes environments.
Investment Advisory: Supporting investors through due diligence and market assessments.

Vision for Leadership & Advisory Roles

Carl is committed to driving sustainable success by empowering organizations through strategic insights, operational expertise, and a results-driven approach. Whether as an advisor, board member, or executive leader, Carl’s dynamic capabilities make him a trusted partner for navigating today’s complex global markets.

Key Strengths: Strategic growth, regulatory navigation, operational efficiency, risk management, and transformational leadership.