Toronto, Canada — September 23, 2026: Xanadu Quantum Technologies Limited, the photonic quantum computing company listed on Nasdaq and the Toronto Stock Exchange under XNDU, has appointed Tara Deakin as Chief People Officer, adding an experienced people and organizational strategy executive to its leadership team as the company accelerates its global growth.
The appointment comes as Xanadu works toward its long-term ambition of developing utility-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computers and making quantum computing more broadly useful and accessible.
Deakin joins Xanadu from Spin Master, where she served as Chief People Officer and Executive Vice President. In her new role, she will focus on strengthening the organizational capabilities, leadership structure, and workforce strategy needed to support Xanadu’s next phase of expansion.
At the same time, Xanadu is retaining continuity within its human resources leadership. Rebecca Laramée, who previously served as Chief People Officer, will transition into the role of Senior Vice President of Human Resources and will work alongside Deakin on the company’s workforce initiatives.
Tara Deakin Brings Global Transformation Experience
Deakin’s career spans senior roles across human resources, operations, talent management and enterprise strategy. Before joining Xanadu, her responsibilities at Spin Master extended beyond people strategy to include corporate communications, real estate and workplace experience.
During her tenure at Spin Master, Deakin helped navigate the company’s international expansion, increasing organizational complexity and growth through both internal development and acquisitions. Her work involved evolving leadership structures and organizational practices while maintaining the capabilities that supported the company’s growth.
Earlier in her career, Deakin held executive positions at TD Bank Group, Citi and Rogers Communications. She also serves as an independent director and Chair of the Human Resources Committee at goeasy Ltd.
For Xanadu, her background in enterprise transformation and aligning workforce strategy with broader business objectives comes at a time when the quantum computing sector is expanding rapidly and companies are competing for highly specialized technical and leadership talent.
Leadership Transition Supports Xanadu’s Next Growth Phase
Xanadu Founder and CEO Dr. Christian Weedbrook said Deakin’s experience will be valuable as the company continues building the organizational foundation required for its quantum computing ambitions.
He also recognized Laramée’s contribution as Chief People Officer and highlighted the importance of her continued involvement in the company’s human resources operations.
Deakin said she was attracted to Xanadu’s technological ambitions and the stage of development the company has reached. She plans to work with Weedbrook, Laramée and the broader leadership team to develop the organizational and leadership capabilities required for the company’s next stage.
The appointment reflects a broader challenge facing quantum technology companies: transforming highly specialized research and engineering capabilities into organizations capable of scaling commercially while maintaining a strong talent base.
Xanadu CEO Discloses $32.8 Million Share Sale
Alongside the leadership announcement, Xanadu disclosed an early warning report concerning a share transaction by Weedbrook.
On September 22, 2026, Weedbrook sold 4.6 million Class B Subordinate Voting Shares through the Toronto Stock Exchange and other published markets. The transaction generated approximately C$32.83 million in gross proceeds, with the company stating that the shares were sold for Weedbrook’s personal financial planning purposes.
Before the transaction, Weedbrook held 46,432,704 Class A Multiple Voting Shares and 8,906 Class B Subordinate Voting Shares. He subsequently converted 4.6 million Class A shares into Class B shares on a one-for-one basis before selling those Class B shares.
Following the conversion and sale, Weedbrook held 41,832,704 Class A Multiple Voting Shares and 18,593 Class B Subordinate Voting Shares. Xanadu said this represented approximately 25.06% of the total voting power attached to the company’s shares.
The company also noted that Weedbrook remains actively involved in Xanadu’s business, operations and planning as both its chief executive officer and a member of its board.
The filing states that, aside from the disclosed transaction, Weedbrook currently has no plans or proposals relating to the specified corporate actions covered by Canada’s early warning reporting requirements. It also notes that he may alter his ownership position in the future depending on factors including Xanadu’s business prospects, market conditions and other investment opportunities, subject to applicable laws and company agreements.
Scaling People Alongside Quantum Technology
The dual announcements underline two aspects of Xanadu’s current evolution: building advanced quantum computing technology while expanding the organizational infrastructure needed to commercialize it.
With Deakin taking responsibility for people strategy and Laramée continuing in a senior HR role, Xanadu is strengthening its leadership bench as it pursues its goal of developing fault-tolerant quantum computing systems.
For a company operating at the intersection of quantum hardware, software and advanced research, attracting and developing specialized talent will remain central to turning long-term technological ambitions into scalable products and services.
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