FREDERICTON – Brian Harriman will resign as president and CEO of NB Liquor and Cannabis NB to become the chief operating officer of Sundial Growers, a privately held cannabis producer based in Calgary.

Cannabis NB has dealt with supply issues and staff layoffs at its stores across the province since recreational cannabis was legalized last October. But board chair Rachelle Gagnon credits Harriman with the launch of the stores themselves and the ongoing improvements at NB Liquor.

“While we are all extremely proud of Brian and his accomplishments and congratulate him on this exciting appointment, we will most definitely miss his energy, enthusiasm and leadership,” said Gagnon in a release.

Harriman is originally from Miramichi and has built a career in the alcohol beverage industry. He moved back to New Brunswick in 2014 to take over NB Liquor after serving in senior management roles with Diageo and Molson Coors.

“I am extremely proud of what my teams have been able to achieve over the past five years,” said Harriman. “My family and I are excited about our new adventure in Calgary, but we will definitely miss our friends and family here on the East Coast.”

Harriman’s last day as CEO is April 5. The NB Liquor board of directors will establish a search committee to find his successor.