Artemis Growth Partners Welcomes James Hayward as New Advisory Director

In a notable move that underscores its commitment to strengthening its institutional capabilities, Artemis Growth Partners, a leading global investment firm focusing on regulated medical cannabis and emergent medicinal therapeutics, has announced the appointment of James Hayward as Advisory Director. His extensive experience in credit distribution and institutional investment will be pivotal as the firm navigates the evolving landscape of the medicinal therapeutics sector.

James Hayward brings over three decades of experience in financial services, having spent 35 years at JPMorgan, where he played an instrumental role in developing the bank’s European credit distribution franchise. He founded and managed the European hedge fund credit business, engaging with institutional investors through various economic shifts and market cycles. His expertise encompasses leveraged finance, high-yield investment, credit derivatives, and management of distressed markets.

At Artemis, Hayward will collaborate closely with co-founder and Chief Investment Officer William Muecke and Managing Partner E. Stanton McLean. His role will involve advising the firm on critical areas such as capital formation, business development, limited partnership (LP) relationships, and strategic financing initiatives, which will be crucial as it expands its global influence.

The appointment comes during a transformative period for the medicinal cannabis and therapeutic markets, which are entering a more advanced stage of development. Across Europe and other parts of the world, regulatory frameworks are evolving, and investors are increasingly focused on governance standards, operational performance, and sustainable business models. Hayward's insights into these dynamics could help Artemis lead in this challenging landscape.

William Muecke, Co-Founder and CIO of Artemis, expressed excitement about Hayward's appointment, noting, "James brings a rare combination of market judgment, institutional relationships, and experience building credit businesses. As the medical cannabis sector matures and financing requirements become more sophisticated, his perspective will be invaluable to Artemis and the companies in which we invest."

Similarly, E. Stanton McLean highlighted their history together at JPMorgan, remarking, "James and I were partners as the European credit markets developed into a significant institutional asset class. He understands how emerging markets evolve and how capital structures must adapt to meet the requirements of sophisticated investors. Those skills are directly relevant to the next stage of development for the emergent medicinal therapeutics industry."

Addressing his new role, James Hayward shared his observations on the medical cannabis sector, stating, "In taking the time to evaluate and understand the industry, I have seen both its complexity and its potential. Medical cannabis still faces significant stigmatization despite ample evidence of its efficacy and positive patient outcomes. Most institutional investors remain largely unaware of the rapid developments within the industry and the burgeoning opportunities ahead. However, Artemis possesses the necessary experience, credibility, and global reach to alter this dynamic, and I am thrilled to join the team."

The addition of Hayward is expected to enhance Artemis’s capacity to engage further with hedge funds, family offices, and private equity investors, as the firm continues to support businesses involved in regulated markets. With a strong background and recognized expertise, James Hayward is well-positioned to guide Artemis through the complexities of the rapidly developing medicinal cannabis sector.

About Artemis Growth Partners

Founded in 2017, Artemis Growth Partners is a global investment firm that specializes in regulated medical cannabis and emerging therapeutics. The firm manages over $300 million in discretionary assets across six dedicated investment vehicles, with investments spanning North America, Europe, and other international markets. The team at Artemis brings a wealth of experience from esteemed institutions like Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan, combining deep investment and capital-markets expertise with a strong understanding of the regulatory landscapes in which its portfolio companies operate. Artemis leverages its Five Pillars of Impact framework to drive meaningful change across its investment activities, focusing on compassionate medical access, tackling the opioid crisis, promoting social justice, advocating for health and wellness, and facilitating regenerative cultivation.