China’s State Tobacco Monopoly Administration (STMA) has appointed Liu Sanjiang as its deputy director, reports 2Firsts.
Previously, Liu served as the director of the department of quality development at the State Administration for Market Regulation,
This appointment follows a series of corruption investigations targeting senior STMA officials.
The STMA is the country’s official regulatory body overseeing the tobacco industry and market, including NGPs such as e-cigarettes.
Wisdom comes from the Stonegate Group, where she served as chief commercial officer. Prior to that, she also served as a commercial director at Diageo and held senior positions at prominent national and global brands.
In her new role, Wisdom will oversee all Juul Labs U.K. commercial activities as the company seeks to bring its next-generation product technology to more parts of the world.
“Joining Juul Labs as its new managing director is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the company’s bold vision for the future—one where long-term success is achieved through responsible innovation and investment in high-quality, scientifically supported products,” said Wisdom in a statement.
“I look forward to advancing Juul’s commercial objectives across this rapidly changing industry to ensure we are delivering the best possible alternatives for adult smokers whilst taking serious action to prevent underage access to and appeal of our products.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Melissa Wisdom as Juul Labs’ new managing director,” said Juul Labs CEO K.C. Crosthwaite. “Melissa’s extensive commercial experience and her commitment to responsible growth in consumer markets make her an invaluable addition to the team.
“With new U.K. legislation coming down the track and the regulatory environment evolving in many markets, Melissa’s leadership will play a pivotal role in advancing our efforts to drive tobacco harm reduction by offering adult smokers high-quality product technology designed specifically to help them move away from traditional cigarettes.
“I am confident that Melissa will be a huge asset at this exciting time of opportunity for the company.”
BAT subsidiary Ceylon Tobacco Co. has appointed Samanmalee Chandrasiri as a non-executive director to its board, reports EconomyNext.
A globally experienced professional with nearly two decades of expertise in human resources, Chandrasiri started her career in 2006 with HR business partnering roles at BAT Sri Lanka.
As BAT South Asia area head of talent, she managed talent strategies across Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. This led to her position as organization effectiveness advisor in BAT Indonesia.
She served as HR director for BAT Sri Lanka and for Malaysia and Singapore.
She assumed duties as group head of organization effectiveness and talent management in July 2019, operating from London.
Chandrasiri served as group head of HR for global marketing, scientific research and development before taking the role of group head of talent, organization effectiveness and inclusion (London), where she led the global center of expertise on talent, organization effectiveness, diversity and inclusion
In October 2024, she stepped into her current role as group head of HR and inclusion—global operations and R&D.
Japan Tobacco has withdrawn and refiled its premerger notification and report form under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 (the HSR Act) in connection with the JT Group’s pending acquisition of Vector Group.
On Sept. 4, 2024, the JT Group commenced a cash tender offer to purchase all outstanding shares of common stock of Vector Group for $15 per share.
JT withdrew and refiled its premerger notification and report form to provide the Federal Trade Commission with additional time for review. Following such refiling, the waiting period under the HSR Act will expire Oct. 3, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
The acquisition is expected to be completed by the end of JT Group’s current fiscal year, ending Dec. 31, 2024, subject to receipt of antitrust approvals and satisfaction of customary closing conditions.
BAT has announced management board changes. Kingsley Wheaton will be appointed as chief corporate officer, a newly created role. Wheaton’s current role of chief strategy and growth officer will cease to exist.
As chief corporate officer, Wheaton will have overall responsibility for the strategy and execution of the group’s sustainable future pillar, including:
Paul McCrory, director of corporate and regulatory affairs, will continue to report to Wheaton in this role. Donato Del Vecchio, chief sustainability officer, will also continue to report to Wheaton.
Luciano Comin, marketing director for combustibles and new categories, will be appointed chief marketing officer, reporting directly to Tadeu Marroco, CEO.
James Barrett, director of business development, will report to Soraya Benchikh, chief financial officer.
All changes are effective immediately.
“We will be taking an important step later today in our journey to encourage THR acceptance with the launch of a compelling science and evidential case for THR in the form of ‘The Omni: Forward Thinking for a Smokeless World,’” said Marroco.
“I would like to thank Kingsley for all that he has done as chief strategy and growth officer. He has stepped into the role at a critical time for BAT and has helped shape the strategy and establish new functional capabilities. In all of these areas, BAT is now stronger and more robust.”
“I feel honored to take up this new challenge,” said Wheaton. “As BAT moves forward toward ‘A Better Tomorrow,’ the focus on this area of the strategy will be all-important. I am looking forward to bringing my experience and understanding of both BAT and the external environment and making a real difference.”
Joel J. Sherman, former president and CEO of Nat Sherman, passed away Sept. 9 in New Jersey surrounded by his family.
Born on August 2, 1939, Joel Sherman spent decades shaping and elevating the family business, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the world of premium cigars and fine tobacco.
At the age of 10, Joel Sherman worked in the original Nat Sherman store on Broadway in New York City. Nat Sherman later relocated to 42nd Street near Grand Central Terminal, where it became a symbol of sophistication and high-quality cigars.
In 1990, after the passing of his father, Nat Sherman, Joel Sherman returned to lead the family business. Under his leadership, Nat Sherman expanded into a prestigious name in the premium cigar world, developing its own lines of cigars and cigarettes.
In 2017, Nat Sherman was acquired by Altria Group. Although the iconic Nat Sherman store closed in 2020, the cigar blends live on under the Ferio Tego brand, now led by Michael Herklots, who previously served as the vice president of Nat Sherman International and was a longtime associate to Joel Sherman and his family.
“Mr. Sherman was an industry icon,” Herklots told the Premium Cigar Association. “He was beloved by everyone who knew him and certainly those who had the good fortune of working for him. His moral and ethical compass was always guiding the business and above all, he led with love.”
Throughout his career, Joel Sherman received many industry honors and awards, including TMA’s “Giant of the Industry” award in 2014. He served as director of Tobacco Reporter’s parent organization, the Tobacco Merchants Association, and was an active participant in, and board member of, several other industry associations.
Preston D. Wigner will succeed George C. Freeman III as chairman, president and CEO of Universal Corp. on Oct. 1, 2024.
Wigner joined Universal in 2003. After serving as the company’s vice president, general counsel and secretary for nearly 20 years he was appointed senior vice president of Universal in December 2023. Prior to joining Universal, Wigner served as an associate with the law firms Williams Mullen and Hunton Andrews Kurth.
According to Universal, Wigner’s appointment is the culmination of a succession planning process conducted by the board of directors and assisted over the past two years by a global leadership advisory firm. Freeman will serve as vice chair of the company through Dec. 31, 2024, and then as a senior advisor through the company’s fiscal year-end on March 31, 2025.
“George has played a critical role in shaping Universal into the company it is today, and we are grateful for his tremendous leadership,” said Thomas H. Johnson, lead independent director of Universal’s board, in a statement.
“During the last several years, George and the senior leadership team have consistently delivered value to Universal’s shareholders by driving strong tobacco results and establishing our Universal Ingredients business. With the positive momentum from our most recent fiscal year and the strong beginning to our current fiscal year, now is the right time to implement this leadership succession.
“We are delighted to name Preston as our next chairman, president and CEO. Preston has been a valued member of Universal’s senior leadership team for many years. With significant tobacco industry experience, active involvement in our ingredients business strategy from its inception, and deep familiarity with our global organization, Preston has the right mix of skills and expertise to drive Universal forward.”
I am energized by the opportunity to lead our incredible organization and advance our growth strategy by optimizing our leading tobacco business and expanding our ingredients business.
“It is a privilege to be named chairman, president and CEO of Universal at this exciting time in the company’s 100-plus year history,” said Wigner. “I am energized by the opportunity to lead our incredible organization and advance our growth strategy by optimizing our leading tobacco business and expanding our ingredients business.
“Our future success will build on the foundational work we have accomplished under George’s leadership as well as our continued efforts to develop and pursue innovative strategies, set new standards of social and environmental performance, and motivate and inspire our global workforce. I am grateful to George for his mentorship and friendship, and I look forward to continuing to work with him through the remainder of our fiscal year.”
“It has been an honor to lead Universal in building and growing our portfolio of agriproducts and extending our sustainable supply chain operations to now support more than 200,000 farmers over five continents,” said Freeman. “We have made incredible advances in the 27 years I have been with Universal, and I thank our talented employees around the world who work tirelessly for all our stakeholders. As I prepare to leave the board, I would also like to thank each director for their support and guidance as we have worked to position the company for success. I have worked closely with Preston, and my decision to retire is made with the utmost confidence in his ability to advance Universal’s strategy with the support of the board and management team and deliver long-term value for our shareholders. I look forward to supporting a smooth transition.”
Global Action to End Smoking appointed Cole Burbidge as a new director of programs. With a distinguished career in advancing public health in underserved communities, Burbidge brings a wealth of experience that will support the organization’s grantmaking work, according to the organization.
Burbidge is a physician by training and a strong advocate for patient-centered care, understanding firsthand the gaps between idealized healthcare models and the reality faced by patients. His career has been dedicated to improving health outcomes for recreational substance users and high-risk patients.
At Global Action, Burbidge’s main roles will be developing requests for grant proposals and evaluating prospective research projects. He will also be supporting the communications team as it disseminates relevant information to people who smoke. He will report to Erik Augustson, vice president of programs.
“I’m excited to continue my work in improving public health through my new role at Global Action,” said Burbidge in a statement. “I am deeply passionate about meeting individuals where they are to make sure that a healthier lifestyle is effective and accessible.”
Burbidge’s experience spans consulting roles with healthcare organizations, pharmaceutical companies and risk-reduction advocacy groups as well as leadership positions in industry, where he oversaw teams in scientific and regulatory affairs.
“Dr. Cole Burbidge is a strong addition to our team at Global Action,” said Augustson. “His expertise and passion for patient-centered care will be invaluable as we continue our mission to end smoking. Dr. Burbidge’s focus on innovative, data-driven solutions aligns perfectly with our goals, and we look forward to the impact he will have on our programs.”
Pyxus International has appointed David Singer as senior vice president, chief legal officer and secretary. Singer will report to Pyxus President and CEO Pieter Sikkel and join the company’s executive management team.
Singer, who served on Pyxus’ legal team from August 2018 to May 2022, rejoins the company with nearly 20 years of experience, most recently serving as chief administrative officer and general counsel for Kymera International, a global specialty materials company. His previous roles include senior in-house counsel positions and experience as a litigation, corporate and regulatory attorney.
“We are pleased to welcome David back to Pyxus in this new capacity,” said Sikkel in a statement. “Given our diverse global footprint and the regulatory complexities of our operations, David’s legal expertise, strategic insight and deep understanding of our business are invaluable. His leadership will help us uphold a culture of responsibility and compliance as we pursue our strategic goals and drive stakeholder value.”
Singer succeeds Will O’Quinn, who has been senior vice president, chief legal officer and secretary since 2011. O’Quinn will remain a key member of the company’s leadership team, assuming the position of senior vice president of special projects, and will continue reporting to Sikkel.
“We thank Will for his contributions to grow the company’s legal function to what it is today and appreciate his enthusiasm to leverage his legal expertise and company-specific business acumen to deliver success in his new role while positioning Pyxus for the future,” stated Sikkel.
Philip Morris International has appointed Denys Strobykin as the new general manager of its Bulgarian unit, reports SeeNews. He succeeds Demian Pintos, who will become managing director of the south cluster in PMI’s Americas region, overseeing operations in Argentina, Uruguay, Bolivia, Chile and Paraguay.
Strobykin starting in PMI’s finance department in Ukraine two decades ago. Over the years, he has held sales and marketing roles in Moldova, Poland and Romania, most recently serving as director of marketing and digital at Philip Morris Romania.
Strobykin aims to strengthen the company’s market presence and further develop its commitment to guiding adult smokers to smoke-free alternatives, according to a PMI press release.
“We have already made significant progress in the country—more than 350,000 adult smokers have already switched to the main smoke-free alternative in our ever-expanding portfolio—IQOS,” Strobykin was quoted as saying.
“We have been scaling our operations responsibly, by addressing diverse consumer needs. We have been also advancing a more sustainable business model by implementing recycling programs for our devices as part of our efforts to reduce the environmental impact of our products.”