Mike Tyson named CEO of Las Vegas cannabis company

Key Points

• Mike Tyson becomes CEO of Carma HoldCo, marking his deepening commitment to the cannabis industry and celebrity-backed products.
• Tyson, a longtime cannabis advocate, co-founded Carma Holdings in 2022 after launching Tyson 2.0, and will now guide brand strategy and product growth as CEO.
• Tyson’s appointment signals an ambitious push to strengthen its footprint in wellness, entertainment, and global brand storytelling.

Las Vegas-based cannabis company Carma HoldCo has appointed former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson as its new Chief Executive Officer, marking a new chapter for the company and for Tyson’s career beyond the ring. He succeeds Adam Wilks, who has steered the company since its launch.

Tyson’s appointment marks what Carma HoldCo calls a “new phase,” with the boxing icon expected to strengthen its ties to wellness, entertainment, and culture. The Las Vegas-based company, known for cannabis brands like Tyson 2.0, Ric Flair Drip, and Evol by Future, sits squarely at the crossroads of celebrity influence and cannabis innovation.

“This isn’t just a title, it’s a responsibility,” Tyson said. “Carma HoldCo was built on the belief that powerful stories and even stronger products can reshape how people connect with wellness, entertainment, and culture. I’ve wanted to play a bigger role for years — now’s the right time.”

From boxing icon to cannabis executive

Tyson’s involvement with Carma HoldCo has been years in the making. The former boxer entered the cannabis industry in 2021 with the launch of his eponymous brand, Tyson 2.0. A year later, he co-founded Carma Holdings alongside Evander Holyfield, his former rival and fellow ex-heavyweight champion.

The duo’s collaboration captured headlines with the release of ‘Holy Ears’—a line of THC- and Delta 8-infused edibles that playfully reference the infamous 1997 bout in which Tyson bit Holyfield’s ear. The partnership expanded in 2023 with the introduction of Holyfield’s cannabis line. Beyond the ring, Tyson has long been an advocate for cannabis, frequently crediting the plant for helping him manage pain, mental health challenges, and personal growth.

The making of ‘Iron Mike’

Tyson’s path from boxing’s most feared heavyweight to cannabis entrepreneur is as storied as his in-ring career. Born Michael Gerard Tyson on June 30, 1966, the Brooklyn native became the youngest heavyweight champion in boxing history at 20 years old. During his prime, Tyson unified the WBA, WBC, and IBF titles, earning global acclaim for his ferocious fighting style and knockout power.

His career, marked by both brilliance and controversy, included historic victories, prison time, and headline-making losses. Even after hanging up his gloves, Tyson remained in the public eye through media appearances, including roles in films like The Hangover (2009) and Rocky Balboa (2006).

A new phase for Carma HoldCo

Tyson’s appointment as CEO comes at a time when the cannabis market, especially in the U.S., continues to evolve amid regulatory shifts and growing consumer acceptance. Carma HoldCo has carved a niche in this space by blending celebrity partnerships with wellness-focused products that aim to bridge the gap between entertainment culture and cannabis use.

As CEO, Tyson is expected to steer the company’s brand strategy and product development while serving as the face of a business that reflects his journey from sports icon to entrepreneur. “My commitment is to make sure everything we create stays true to who we are while growing in new and exciting ways,” Tyson said.