Who We Are

OUR TEAM

Say hello to the faces that make up everything we are at Naturecan! Thanks to our amazing team, we have been able to offer an extensive and exclusive range of quality CBD products and supplements, along with launching websites in over 40 countries worldwide. This allows the Naturecan team to use our global reach to deliver the potential benefits of broad-spectrum CBD to a growing customer base.

Our founders

Introducing our founders, Andy Duckworth and Paul Finnegan. Together, this duo founded Naturecan in May 2019 – a global wellness brand focused on offering safe, effective and premium CBD products along with supplements such as vitamins and minerals. Our primary goal is to create products that help people live happy and healthy lives and our founders lead the way, each and every day!

Andy DUCKworth

Founder & CEO

Andrew is a former CEO of MyProtein between 2012 and 2018, and the Board of Directors at The Hut Group. At MyProtein, Andrew oversaw the brand become a global leader online in the wellness space, driven by extensive range expansion, and aggressive globalisation.

He also managed and drove the build of a BRC A Grade state-of-the-art manufacturing facility.

Prior Head of Business Planning at Matalan and Pets at Home, Andrew is also CIMA qualified.

PAUL FINNEGAN

Founder & Product Director

Paul has worked on Naturecan’s strategy and supply chain for several years, spending a large amount of time in the US sourcing the best quality CBD raw materials in Oregon specifically.

Paul has also overseen the Novel Food Process with the Regulation team and the ACI.

He has also previously made waves in the drinks industry, partnering with Aldi, Asda, TJ Morris, Lidl and many more.

Advisory Board

Say hello to our Advisory Board – A collection of certified experts in their fields that ensure every Naturecan product checks out at a scientific level. From Human Physiology to Herbal Pharmaceuticals and more, our Advisory Board ensures that Naturecan only offers the highest quality products that you can trust.

Dr Graeme Close

Dr Graeme Close was a former professional Rugby League player turned Professor of Human Physiology at Liverpool John Moores University.

He has now published 150 papers focused on basic and applied short nutrition along with speaking at over 100 conferences across the globe.

Not only this, he is Head of Sports Nutrition for the European Tour Golf and is an Expert Nutrition Consultant to England Rugby and Aston Villa FC over the past 5 years, he has appeared on several TV and Radio Shows including BBC Breakfast News.

Dr Patt Sells

Veterinary director

Dr Pat Sells qualified from the University of Liverpool Vet School in 2007 and is currently a practising UK veterinarian who has published and peer-reviewed literature multiple times.

He also gained his post-graduate certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice while working for the renowned practice, Rossdales, which is the largest hospital in Europe.

Furthermore, He is the Veterinary Executive at Chasemore Farm, a successful British Thoroughbred Owner-breeder and also happens to be the Veterinary Director at Naturecan!

Regulatory Team

Our Regulations team ensures that Naturecan is equipped with the knowledge of rules and regulations around all things CBD. This way, we can provide you with the most up-to-date, interesting and factual information to inform each and every CBD purchase you make. Hence, you can rest assured you are choosing the right Naturecan product for your needs.

Paul Holmes

Director of Science & Innovation

Paul is a scientific and regulatory specialist who has previously worked in laboratories in both technical and commercial capacities.

Predominantly testing for large pharmaceutical and tobacco companies, he has built a wealth of scientific and regulatory knowledge across numerous highly regulated industries, working on regulatory submissions to bodies such as the FDA and the MHRA.

He holds a BSc in Medicinal and Biological Chemistry and sits on the UKAS CBD Food Product Approval Expert Group.

Hanako Darby

Regulatory Compliance Officer - Japan

Hanako is half English and half Japanese and communicates using both languages in her daily life. Holding a BSc in Biochemistry and an MSc in Medicinal Natural Products and Phytochemistry, her love for all things natural grew.

While living in Japan, she worked at a large global beauty company for 2 years in their Safety and Quality department. She enjoys listening to music, dancing and hanging out with her dogs.

Meet the rest of the team

Simon Owen

IT Director

Simon is an award winning developer with over 15 years' industry experience.

His career has ranged from being a University lecturer, a web developer for various charities and E-commerce businesses, a meetup and conference founder (McrFRED, UpFrontConf) and a Front-End Consultant for N Brown Group and the BBC.

He once appeared on National TV in Alex Polizzi's 'The Fixer' wearing a GitHub hoodie and Star Wars trainers!

Georgia Chappell

Senior Content Executive

Georgia holds a BA Marketing Degree from Manchester University and has a background in lifestyle, health, fashion and CBD Copywriting, helping brands grow their identity through inspiring and informative written content.

Born and bred in Manchester, Georgia lives for all things self-care, long walks, meditation and mindfulness. Introducing CBD into her daily routine has helped Georgia to amplify her favourite hobbies and since then, she has been passionate about the wonders of all things CBD.

Saga Wester

Junior Marketing Executive FI

Up and coming marketing expert who also holds a degree in graphic design. Currently studying marketing on a masters level in Helsinki. Speaks both Finnish and Swedish on a native level.

In her free time, she does all kinds of crafts from pottery to knitting, but also hits the gym as often as she can. Loves spending time with her dog in “the land of a thousand lakes” which is beautiful Finland.

Atsuya Tazoe

E-commerce Executive - Japan

Graduating Oita University with a BA in Economics and is starting a MA in Development Studies at the University of Melbourne, Atsuya is passionate about football and travelling.

He strongly believes that having CBD in Japanese lifestyles can bring a huge health benefit to all. He's willing to achieve this with Naturecan.

Mary Yeung

Fulfilment Analyst

Having worked and volunteered on 4 continents outside of Europe, Mary joins the team with a variety of work experiences.

Learning new languages, cultures and taking every role head on and jumping feet first, Mary will be bringing the same energy at Naturecan.

THERESE NORDSTROM

Regional Manager - Nordics

Therese was born and raised in Sweden and lived there for 18 years before moving over to the UK. She is passionate about travelling, yoga and enjoying the beauty of nature. She has worked in customer retention and acquisition marketing for 10 years, creating trusted brands in both Nordic & English environments.

Jenny Stif

Head of Social Media

Jenny has spent the past five years working in social media, marketing and PR helping brands grow.

Previous to this Jenny worked as a reporter for Trinity Mirror newspapers in both Liverpool and Newcastle, as well as writing for monthly columns in magazines, newspapers and radio presenting.

She has a passion for healthy living, yoga and all things social media.

Arran Barnes

Finance Director

Member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, specialising in E-commerce within the Retail and Fashion industries.

Extensive experience in Commercial Finance, Management Accounting and Business Intelligence including Customer Behavioural Analysis, Digital Marketing Analytics and optimisation.

A passionate advocate of CBD!

Tom Saleh

Creative Content

For over a decade, Tom's produced creative content, campaigns and insights for global names across nutrition, sport, food and healthcare.

Brands include Myprotein, Men’s Health, Co-op Food and Change4Life.

Dedicated to living a natural, active life, he loves to share his knowledge of eating right and training smart to help others make their own well-being choices.

Satomi Fujii

Brand Marketing Manager - Japan

Satomii brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise from her home country, Japan. She focuses on ensuring more Japanese customers get to experience Naturecan's product range.

Whilst studying for her master's degree, she also worked as a translator for multiple companies and has more recently been an Account Manager for a tech company specialising in on-site engagement and digital advertising.

Daniel Fernandez

E-Commerce Manager - Spain

Daniel lives in Barcelona and is passionate about nutrition, health and trail running.

Daniel has led acquisitions and CRM strategies for Antai's startups - Carnovo in Bcn Tch City, Barcelonas ecosystem, where Glovo and Wallapop were born.

James Al-Saffar

Senior Management Accountant

James joined Naturecan from a big four practice background after having trained in audit and accountancy and is also a member of the ICAEW.

After experiencing the sporting and fitness culture of Florida, James has chosen to work in an industry that matches his own interest of physical wellbeing and health.

Emily Holloway

Digital Marketing Manager - Pets Category

Emily holds a BSc Hons in Psychology from the University of Southampton and has a background in digital and offline marketing helping brands find their identity and grow.

Emily lives in the countryside with her crazy dog and loves going on hikes, enjoying nature, and experiencing nice food. Whilst her dog is crazy and confident at home, he can be incredibly anxious when left alone or around new environments. Introducing CBD into his wellness routine has transformed his approach to situations he would previously find stressful. Since this, Emily has been passionate about teaching other pet owners about the benefits of CBD for their pets, so they can live happy healthy lives.

Yuki Sakaguchi

E-Commerce Executive - Japan

After completing a degree in marketing and international relations, I worked for a Japanese trading company for several years and learnt international business skills. Then I moved to London, UK, where I am now working as part of Naturecan.

Faizah Razaq

Accounts Assistant

Having gained a First-class honours degree in accounting and finance in 2020, Faizah has been working in the finance field ever since. She is excited to learn more about how CBD products can help in everyday life.

In her free time, she enjoys balancing keeping active and healthy in the gym, whilst also enjoying food adventures and plenty of chocolate-filled desserts!

Alex Rinn

Trading Director - Europe

Half German, half mexican, who is passionate about football, fitness and helping people to live a healthier and happier life.

Background in International Sports Management and a Masters Degree in Management & Digital Business. Previously in change of the Spanish and German markets for Myprotein, The Hut Group.

Expanding Naturecan to Germany mostly through E-Commerce, Digital Marketing and B2B.

Sean Addison-Abe

Trading Director - UK/Japan

One half of the 'Addison Bros', Sean was born in Tokyo and lived there for 7 years before moving to the UK. A Chinese and Management BA graduate, he is multilingual and loves Asia.

Prior experience growing Myprotein's Asian market working as an Ecommerce Manager for Japan and Hong Kong, as well as founding a fitness clothing and supplement company. More recently, he worked as a consultant for FitFlop, specialising in digital trade, insight and optimisation.

Passionat about football, health and food.

Panagiotis Giakoumakis

Global Website Implementation Executive

Panagiotis has spent the last three years in the digital marketing sector, managing online presence, social media strategy and working with online advertising platforms. He joined Naturecan to help improve the company's digital presence.

Saya Mayumi

Customer Service - Japan

Learned about CBD while continuing treatment for dermatitis and became interested in its attractive ingredients. Her goal is to help people find out what they can do to help them live healthier lives, both physically and mentally.

Based on her experience in customer service for a long time, she is working hard to ensure that more customers can purchase and use the products with peace of mind.

Dylan de Vrieze

Country Manager - The Netherlands

Meet Dylan, a digital marketing expert with a passion for fitness and health. With a Bachelor's degree in International Business & Management, he has extensive knowledge in online business management.

In his free time, you can find Dylan at the gym, where he indulges his love for staying active and healthy.

He is dedicated to helping businesses thrive in the digital world and is always on top of the latest trends and strategies in the field. With his broad skillset, passion for success and dedication to fitness.

Saki Nakashima

PR Executive - japan

Based on her experience interviewing companies and local governments in Japan, Saki has developed an interest in product transparency and corporate branding.She first discovered CBD in the UK and has personally felt its effectiveness in improving pain, in particular.

Rebecca Reischle

Head of E-Commerce - Europe

Rebecca has spent the last three years working in Digital Marketing across France, Canada and England. She has a proven record of E-commerce and Media Planning to drive traffic and increase brand awareness.

Recently, she oversaw the website and E-Commerce solutions of a portfolio of the world's largest automation groups, along with founding a fitness and lifestyle E-Commerce brand.

Passionate about healthy living, Rebecca is determined to help Naturecan become the market leader for CBD in the Dach region.

Valeria Briancesco

Head of Content

Valeria hails from the beautiful Costa Rica and has dual nationality being bilingual in English and Spanish. Valeria is passionate about travel and fitness, an advocate for healthy living and has been vegan since 2017.

Valeria's background is in industrial engineering and neuromarketing, with more than 10 years of experience combined.

Previously, she was an SEO and Youtube Consultant for Myprotein, growing the company's Spanish YouTube channel to +700k subscribers and managing South Europe's YouTube strategy.

Alessa Decker

E-Commerce Manager - Dach

I have spent the last 2 years working in Digital Marketing & E-Commerce in the haircare industry, with a focus on natural and vegan products.

Prior, I lived in Copenhagen for 4 years, enjoying the "hygge" lifestyle while studying International Marketing. I love exploring new places and trying new restaurants!

John Horrocks

Replenishment Manager

John Horrocks, an accomplished procurement professional with over 15 years of experience in the retail and healthcare industries. John has spent 10 years building a solid foundation in retail management, working with a variety of companies and brands in various capacities.

John was also an experienced professional in the field of NHS procurement and supply, with a career spanning over 5 years. Throughout this time, he developed a wealth of knowledge and skills in managing inventory and asset life-cycling processes.

Ryuji Yamakawa

Procurement Manager Japan

Ryuji has experienced import trade and procurement roles in apparel and cosmetic industries and communicated with a variety of companies from Italy, France, the United States, and the United Kingdom.

Loved playing soccer for 10 years since I was 5 years old and got inspired by lots of European countries, which definitely guided me to respect historical European cultures, especially the essential oil field.

Keen to produce CBD cosmetics with natural aromatic essences to give positive effectiveness physically but also spiritually.

Kirill Kopica

General Manager USA

With over 9 years e-commerce experience, most notably within the Health & Fitness industry, Kirill joined Naturecan after successfully overseeing 10s of large FMCG clients as General Manager of The Hut Group's Ingenuity Division, having previously excelled at Body & Fit and Myprotein.

As a person who is an avid gym goer and knows the aftermath of a hard workout, Kirill has found the ultimate remedy to a range of ailments in the form of CBD, which is now another of his passions.

Aaron Hood

Fulfilment & Customer Service Director

Aaron brings an authentic and analytical approach, with a wealth of experience working across the Supply Chain for global FMCG, health and beauty and sports merchandising retailers.

Passionate about food and the outdoors, with a keen interest in football.

Kyle Hogg

Affiliates & Partnerships Executive

Ex professional cricketer of 14 years with Lancashire county cricket club.

Spent 6 years in the live music industry working for SJM Concerts on the logistics of live shows with artists such as Foo Fighters, Coldplay, and Billie Eilish to name a few.

Keen golfer, cyclist and general sports and music fan.

Aaron Albinson

Developer

Aaron has been working in the digital sector for the past 7 years on a wide range of projects as an in-house developer and alongside some of the top digital and creative agencies in Manchester.

When he's not behind his computer, you'll find him out on his bike, walking the dog or paying the saxophone.

Federica Di Addezio

E-commerce Manager – Italy

Federica is an e-commerce manager with a background in digital marketing, helping businesses grow and thrive in the market.When she's not working, she loves spending time with her friends, cooking delicious Italian food and reading books.

Gonçalo de Mosquera

E-Commerce manager Portugal

With a background linked to civil engineering, since 2015 E-Commerce has become part of his work routine.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and gym are his regular sports, and his hobbies also include cooking and gaming.

Adam Tinkler

UK Country Manager

Adam manages ecommerce operations in the English, Irish and US markets, with a 5 year track record in diverse industries in Ireland and the UK. A big sports enthusiast, Adam finds the immense benefits of Naturecans products to be very intriguing, offering an exciting road ahead for his Naturecan journey.Adam holds a Bachelor's degree in Digital Marketing and has practical experience setting up successful dropshipping websites, which further fueled his passion for all things digital growth.

Matt Oakley

Logistics Compliance Officer

With over 4 years of experience in domestic and international logistics operations for FMCG, Matt will bring his expertise to the table assisting Naturecan to expand further than ever before.

Eika Sada

Japan Marketing Executive

Eika holds a BA in Economics from Oita University and is starting an MA in Fashion Design Management at the London College of Fashion.

Throughout her marketing role, she seeks to increase the awareness of CBD in Japan, where stress and mental health have been challenging issues.

Andy Tighe

Design Director

Andy has over 15 years of agency experience with numerous top design agencies, he brings a wealth of knowledge and skills to the NC team. He is an all-rounder and a fantastic addition to Naturecan.

Sachiko D'avignon

Country Manager - Japan

Sachiko is a native Japanese and has worked in the B2C e-commerce environment for over 10 years in both Japan and the UK.

Prior working experience is growing UK-based sports site, Wiggle and Chain Reaction Cycles for Asia and EU as the online marketing manager.

Lewis Stenson

Assistant Management Accountant

After graduating in 2017 with 1st in Accounting and Finance from Leeds Metropolitan University, Lewis has spent time working in London and Barcelona in Finance roles. But most recently, Lewis completed a lifelong dream of a ski season in Italy.

Passionate about sports and the outdoors, Lewis is excited to explore the properties CBD products contain aiding faster recovery times in fitness.

Iva Karaivanska

Junior Developer

Iva graduated in Law but she found that software technologies were her true calling.

Working in the IT sector for the past few years, Ive is passionate about fixing software issues, football and following a healthy lifestyle.

Iva enjoys spending time in nature, travelling and reading about British history.

Pritesh Patel

Senior Commercial Analyst

Pritesh graduated from Durham University with a degree in Accounting & Finance. He has over 8 years of experience in the world of e-commerce, which began with running his own online business and then going on to work for The Hut Group and AO.com.

In his free time, he enjoys seeing different parts of the world, attending football matches and cooking for friends and family.

Karolina Mullerova

E-commerce Manager Czechia

Born and raised in Czechia, Karolina is an adventure, travelling and Latin dancing enthusiast and enjoys all things holistic health and a plant-based lifestyle.

Karolina has a background in E-commerce Strategy and Trading with a BA degree in International Business. She spent the last 4 years helping to grow businesses through various channels and increase brand awareness in the North-Eastern European market environment.

Following her passion for healthy living, Karolina is keen on broadening her perspective on health and well-being through CBD in Czechia.

Wakako Higuchi

Customer Service Advisor - Japan

Successfully manages Amazon and FBA channels for Japan, along with managing relationships with B2B partners.

Emi Kakizakai

Digital Marketing Manager - Japan

Emi helps with Naturecan's website updates, and CRM email automation, along with social media management and influencer marketing.

Her bobbies include travelling, kombucha making and occasional gym workouts!

Yuko Kono

Customer Support Representitive

Yuko majored in Economics and worked for an urban planning company in Japan for five years as a sales assistant.

She then moved to Cardiff for postgraduate study in City and Regional Planning at Cardiff University and worked for several companies in UAE and UK.

She still lives in Cardiff and enjoys the beautiful nature of Wales.

Luca Katona

E-Commerce Executive - Hungary

Luca is native Hungarian and studies Marketing in the beautiful city of Budapest. She is passionate about cooking, content creation and anything health related.

With her youthful drive, she's keen on introducing Hungarians to the many benefits of Naturecan CBD.

Dylan De Vrieze

E-Commerce Manager - Netherlands

Dylan enjoys learning about digital marketing so much that he decided to pursue a degree in International Business & Management which he successfully graduated in 2020. After this, Dylan started working in the UK as a digital marketer and got the opportunity to join the E-complete team in 2021.

Sonja Kaplan

Customer Service - Dach

Through my learned experience at Naturecan, patients are my top priority and its just as important for me that customers are satisfied and all questions are answered.

Dave Hughes

Buying Director

Dave has over 20 years experience of in leadership roles within retail buying, working for a variety of businesses in the UK and Australia.

A large amount of time was spent with the industry-leading retailer Pets at Home.

Dejan Broz

Country Manager - Croatia

Passionate about fitness and cooking, Dejan has a background in judo, boxing, taekwondo, wrestling and karate. Dejan claims that thanks to top-quality customer support, Naturecnan products will easily find their way to those whose health and beauty of life come first.