Pyxus International has announced a new, streamlined organizational structure designed to increase operational efficiencies, drive organizational effectiveness and create stakeholder value.
The company will split the role and responsibilities of the Alliance One president, creating two new leadership positions—executive vice president, chief operating officer (COO) and executive vice president, business strategy & sales.
In addition, it will redesign of the company’s current business services function and rebrand the company’s current communications, sustainability and external affairs function, positioning it as a standalone corporate affairs department
Alliance One’s president, Alex Strohschoen, has departed the company to pursue new opportunities. Additionally, the organizational structure changes align with Herbert Weatherford, Alliance One senior vice president, business relationship manager’s intent to retire in March 2024 after 34 years of service.
“In line with one of Pyxus’ key themes for fiscal year 2024—simplification—our updated organizational structure connects our core business functions with our strategic priorities to drive accountability and operational results while reducing unnecessary or burdensome complexities,” said Pyxus President and CEO Pieter Sikkel. “We have assembled a strong, diverse leadership team and I am confident this new structure further positions Pyxus as a future-facing, agile business as we continue prioritization of growth and long-term success.”
In line with one of Pyxus’ key themes for fiscal year 2024—simplification—our updated organizational structure connects our core business functions with our strategic priorities to drive accountability and operational results while reducing unnecessary or burdensome complexities.
Pyxus has appointed Scott Burmeister to the newly created position of executive vice president, COO. Burmeister has served the company in several capacities since joining in 1996, most recently leading the business’ Europe, Middle East and Africa region. As COO, he will focus on the company’s global operations, quality and output, with oversight of the business’ regional director positions, and the global agronomy department and value-added agricultural products division.
Dustin Styons has been named Pyxus’ executive vice president, business strategy and sales, responsible for business-to-business strategy, business relationship management, business development and the company’s e-liquids division. Styons joined the company in 2005, most recently serving as vice president, corporate finance and business development.
Tracy Purvis, who has led the Pyxus’ global business services function since 2018, has been tasked with its redesign under the new title of executive vice president, global business & information services. Purvis, who joined the company in 1990, will leverage Pyxus’ IT assets to drive cost competitiveness, efficiencies and effectiveness with a focus on process automation and simplification, data analytics, validation and visualization, and productivity collaboration.
To align with the business’ strategic focus area of environmental, social and governance (ESG), as well as the growing importance of addressing all stakeholders equally to mitigate risk, enhance brand value and ensure consistent, transparent messaging, Miranda Kinney has been promoted to senior vice president, global communications & sustainability. She will lead the company’s newly formed global corporate affairs department and will remain responsible for internal and external communications, crisis management, sustainability and ESG, and external and government affairs.
All four positions will report to Pyxus’ president and CEO.