Artemis Growth Partners Appoints James Hayward as Advisory Director Amid Institutional Shift in Global Emergent Medicinal Therapeutics

LONDON, Sept. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Artemis Growth Partners ("Artemis"), a global investment firm specializing in regulated medical cannabis and emergent medicinal therapeutics, today announced the appointment of James Hayward as Advisory Director.

Mr. Hayward joins Artemis following a 35-year career at JPMorgan, where he was a central figure in building the firm's European credit distribution franchise. James founded and led JPMorgan's European hedge fund credit business and worked closely with institutional investors through multiple economic and market cycles. His experience spans leveraged finance, high yield, credit derivatives and distressed markets.

At Artemis, Mr. Hayward will work alongside co-founder and Chief Investment Officer William Muecke and Managing Partner E. Stanton McLean. He will advise the firm on capital formation, business development, LP relationships, and strategic financing initiatives across its global platform.

His appointment comes as the global medical cannabis and emergent medicinal therapeutics markets enter a more mature phase of development. Regulatory frameworks are evolving, particularly across Europe, while investors are placing greater emphasis on governance, capital discipline, operating performance, and sustainable business models.

William Muecke, Co-Founder and CIO of Artemis, said:

"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 highly valuable to Artemis and to the companies in which we invest."

E. Stanton McLean, Managing Partner of Artemis, added:

"James and I were partners at JPMorgan as the European credit markets developed into a major institutional asset class. He understands how emerging markets evolve; how capital structures need to adapt and what sophisticated investors require. Those capabilities are directly relevant to the next stage of development for the emergent medicinal therapeutics industry."

James Hayward commented:

"In taking the time to evaluate and understand the industry, I have seen both its complexity and its potential. Medical cannabis is still heavily stigmatized despite growing evidence of its efficacy and compelling patient experiences. Most institutional investors remain unaware of how rapidly the industry is developing and the opportunity taking shape. Artemis has the experience, credibility, and global platform to change that - and I am delighted to be joining the firm."

Mr. Hayward's appointment further strengthens Artemis's institutional capabilities as the firm deepens its engagement with hedge funds, family offices and private equity investors and continues to support businesses operating across regulated markets. 

About Artemis Growth Partners

Artemis Growth Partners is a global investment firm specializing in regulated medical cannabis and emerging therapeutics. Founded in 2017, the firm manages more than $300 million in discretionary assets across six dedicated investment vehicles, with investments spanning North America, Europe and other international markets.

The Artemis team brings experience from institutions including Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan and Mesoamerica, combining investment and capital-markets expertise with sector operating experience and an understanding of the scientific and regulatory environments in which its portfolio companies operate.

Artemis applies its Five Pillars of Impact framework across its investment activities: compassionate medical access, solutions to the opioid crisis, social justice, health and wellness, and regenerative cultivation.

SOURCE Artemis Growth Partners