FORT LAUDERDALE, FL, Dec. 06, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SanSal Wellness Holdings, Inc. (“SanSal Wellness” or the “Company”) (OTC PINK: SSWH), a vertically-integrated agribusiness focused on producing full spectrum natural phytocannabinoid-rich industrial hemp extracts, today announced the appointment of Derek Thomas as Vice President of Business Development.  In this position, Mr. Thomas will be responsible for developing and implementing strategic growth initiatives including expanding the Company’s distribution pipeline through corporate partnerships and innovative product development.

“We are very pleased to welcome Derek Thomas as the latest member of the SanSal Wellness team while we continue to accelerate our business plans as market demand increases,” stated Alexander M. Salgado, CEO and co-founder of SanSal Wellness.  “His outstanding track record in new market business development, marketing and promotion success, and deep understanding of corporate strategy within the cannabis and entertainment industries make him ideally suited for the position.  We look forward to working with him on many new SanSal Wellness business development initiatives in the future.” 

Mr. Thomas is a passionate cannabis entrepreneur and business consultant focused on developing and executing creative growth initiatives and maintaining a positive triple bottom line (social, environmental, and financial).    

In order to combine his passion for building genuine connections with his passion for health and wellness, Mr. Thomas decided to join the burgeoning cannabis industry in 2014 in hope of evolving the dialogue taking place between consumers and brands in the industry.  Since such time, Mr. Thomas has worked in Business Development roles in the cannabis industry for brands like Hemp Blue and Technical420.  He has garnered media attention from highly visible publications such as the Huffington Post, Billboard Magazine and The Guardian, and has spoken on behalf of brands and the cannabis industry at countless seminars and events including The Money Show, The Arcview group, The Global Crowdfunding Convention, and The Playboy Mansion’s City Gala fundraiser.

Prior to his focus on business development opportunities in the cannabis sector, from 2012 to 2014, Mr. Thomas was the Director of International Business Development of Life In Color, a wholly owned subsidiary of LiveStyle Inc., the largest global producer of live events and digital entertainment content focused on electronic music culture (EMC) and other world-class festivals.  In this position, he assembled and managed a team of 8, which successfully expanded the LiveStyle concert brand across Europe into 9 new markets and increased revenues significantly.  His direct responsibilities included all sales, marketing, business development, operational management, budgeting, and venue partnerships.

From 2010-2012, Mr. Thomas managed operations, private rentals, and special events as a General Manager with sbe Group, operator of the luxury SLS Hotels in Miami, Beverly Hills, South Beach, and Las Vegas.  During this time, he was responsible for hiring, coaching, and motivating a group of over 70 staff and 5 managers.  

Derek Thomas, newly appointed Vice President of Business Development of SanSal Wellness, concluded, “It’s an exciting time to join this already strong team as increasingly more attention and product demand get focused on the incredible benefits and uses for full spectrum industrial hemp extracts.  The potential new product, new business, and new partnership opportunities for SanSal Wellness are absolutely enormous and I am eager to utilize all my business and creative talents and experience to contribute to the Company's future growth.”

Further updates regarding new potential SanSal Wellness business development opportunities and other Company business will be made as additional information becomes available.

About SanSal Wellness Holdings, Inc. 

SanSal Wellness Holdings, Inc. (OTC Pink: SSWH) is focused on producing superior quality, whole-plant, broad spectrum phytocannabinoid hemp oils and extracts.  SanSal Wellness currently operates a 140-acre farm and production facilities in Pueblo, Colorado, and is registered with the Colorado Department of Agriculture to grow industrial hemp.  The Company files periodic reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which can be viewed at www.sec.gov.

For additional information, visit www.sansalwellness.com