Howard to Lead Swisher’s External Affairs/Compliance

Swisher has promoted Chris Howard to executive vice president of external affairs and new product compliance. Howard succeeds Joe Augustus, who recently announced his retirement after more than 33 years with the company.

Howard previously held the role of senior vice president of general counsel and chief compliance officer at E-Alternative Solutions (EAS), a Swisher company. Over the past six years, he has played a leading role in advancing several EAS and Swisher initiatives and regulatory compliance programs, including for Leap and Rogue tobacco products as well as novel CBD products.

In his new role on the executive leadership team, Howard will accelerate Swisher’s external affairs strategic objectives and mold a new section providing regulatory approval and compliance support for new product development. 

“Through his ongoing efforts advocating Swisher and industry interests and advancing major initiatives, Chris has been a key leader and strategist for our company in his six years with us,” said Neil Kiely, president of Swisher.

“Chris’ deep experience and unique skillset make him the perfect candidate to help us navigate the evolving regulatory environment in our industry—we look forward to the impact he will deliver.”

Howard has a long history in external and regulatory affairs, having previously served as general counsel for Fontem Ventures, associate general counsel for Lorillard Tobacco Company and several in-house counsel positions with Syngenta.