Category: People

Kinsman Named CFO at 22nd Century

Photo: akub Jirsák | Dreamstime.com
22nd Century Group has appointed R. Hugh Kinsman as chief financial officer. Kinsman is currently CFO of GVB Biopharma, which 22nd Century acquired in May.
“The integration of GVB Biopharma is proceeding very well, and we are excited to build on Hugh’s success at GVB by elevating his financial leadership role to 22nd Century as a whole,” said James A. Mish, chief executive officer of 22nd Century Group, in a statement.
Kinsman has extensive experience as a senior executive in roles ranging from acting CFO of a publicly traded battery manufacturer with operations in the U.S., Switzerland and Italy, to the CFO of West World Media, a private data aggregation company that was acquired for $60 million.
He also worked at GE Capital where he oversaw over a billion dollars in infrastructure, energy, and communications investments. He began his career at Asher & Company, CPAs (now BDO) and has held a certified public accountant designation.
He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in finance from Penn State University and an MBA from Cornell University.
June 16, 2022
New Leadership at Covectra
Covectra, a track-and-trace company, has named Gary Miloscia as president and CEO. Steve Wood, co-founder and CEO since Covectra’s inception in 2008, will transition to serving on the board of directors and as a senior advisor to the management team.
“As a leading provider of serialization, track-and-trace and authentication technologies, Covectra is poised to leverage its technology and strategic position to enhance value for its customers,” said Wood in a statement. “I have served over 14 years as CEO and have been proud and fortunate to work with an outstanding and dedicated group of employees. I am deeply grateful for their hard work and commitment and am confident Gary Miloscia will be an excellent leader for Covectra.”
Since 2015, Miloscia has served as Covectra’s chief financial officer and chief marketing officer, responsible for its strategic business, financial planning, marketing and product development initiatives. Prior to Covectra, Miloscia held senior finance roles at Fidelity Investments, Health Dialog and American Express. Miloscia received a Bachelor of Science degree in finance from Rutgers University and a Master of Business Administration degree from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business.
“I am very excited for the opportunity to assume my new role at Covectra,” said Miloscia. “We have a strong business model and very talented management team that uniquely positions us in providing exceptional serialization and innovative brand protection solutions to our customers. I look forward to leading the company through its next chapter as we move forward to fully commercialize our new StellaGuard security label.”
June 15, 2022
Van-Tull to Lead D.C. Bar Association

LieAnn Van-Tull (Photo: Keller and Heckman)
LieAnn Van-Tull, an associate with Keller and Heckman’s food and drug packaging and tobacco and e-vapor practice groups, was sworn in as president-elect of the Washington Bar Association (WBA) on June 1, 2022.
“I feel honored to have the opportunity to serve an organization that provides an avenue for attorneys to excel,” said Van-Tull. “I have enjoyed contributing to the WBA as secretary, former membership chair, and as an active committee member, and look forward to expanding my impact as president. In particular, I am eager to broaden the organization’s membership base, create new mentorship and leadership opportunities, and further its advocacy efforts for underrepresented members of the legal community.”
The WBA is the oldest and largest predominantly Black bar association in Washington, DC. Founded in 1925, the WBA consistent with the philosophy of Houstonian jurisprudence, is dedicated to improving and protecting the well-being of the legal profession and its members, advancing the science of jurisprudence and the administration of justice, and promoting diversity while preventing discrimination within the legal field.
“LieAnn exemplifies a commitment to legal excellence, community engagement and enhancing diversity in the legal profession,” said Cynthia Lieberman, the chair of Keller and Heckman’s diversity and inclusion committee. “We could not be more thrilled to see her elected to the Washington Bar Association’s executive leadership team.”
“LieAnn’s new position at the Washington Bar Association showcases her dedication to protecting equal justice under the law and inspires the firm in our own pursuit for increasing diversity in the workplace,” said Richard Mann, chair of Keller and Heckman’s management committee.
Van-Tull will assume the role of WBA president in June 2023 for the 2023-2024 bar year.
June 6, 2022
John Miller Joins 22nd Century Group

John Milller
John J. Miller has joined 22nd Century Group to help the company achieve the full potential of its reduced-nicotine business.
Miller has more than 35 years of experience in the tobacco and consumer packaged goods industries. He will work directly with Jim Mish, CEO, and with Michael Zercher, chief operating officer of 22nd Century Group.
“We are absolutely delighted to welcome John Miller to our team,” said Mish. “His significant hands-on expertise and insight in strategic planning, assessing and implementing strategic partnership opportunities, and leading sales and marketing efforts will be instrumental in accelerating revenue, profit and market share growth for the company. We look forward to John’s contributions to the success of the company’s launch of VLN, our reduced nicotine cigarettes with 95 percent less nicotine than conventional cigarettes, which is the first and only modified-risk tobacco product approved by the FDA.”
“I am extremely impressed with the team of outstanding professionals at 22nd Century Group and their commitment to product innovation,” said Miller in a statement. “I am very enthusiastic to be joining the company at this pivotal time in its history and leading the VLN initiative on the heels of the product’s successful pilot launch. VLN is a transformative brand with tremendous market potential. I am incredibly optimistic about the meaningful difference it could make in the lives of people to help them smoke less.”
Most recently, Miller was the president and CEO of Swisher International, a 160-year-old leading lifestyle brands company that is the largest manufacturer and exporter of cigars and smokeless tobacco products in America. Miller joined Swisher in November 2012 as senior vice president of sales and marketing, was promoted to president in 2017 and was named CEO in March 2021.
Miller’s experience also includes more than 20 years in various management positions at U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Co. As regional vice president, he had direct oversight and responsibility for all sales, planning and operations for key brands in the Western United States. U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Co. was acquired by Altria in 2009.
Miller holds a Bachelor of Science degree in finance from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and a Master of Business Administration degree from the George L. Graziadio School of Business Management at Pepperdine University.
May 24, 2022
CAA Expands State Team
Photo courtesy of the CAA
The Cigar Association of America (CAA) has expanded its team by having Mudi Kpohraror join as the new state government relations director, according to the CAA. Kpohraror will report to Vice President Chris Newbry.
David Ozgo, the CAA’s president, said “Mudi will continue to enable and advance how we advocate on behalf of our member companies to ensure that they have an active voice at the state level. Chris Newbry does an amazing job working with and directing our more than 40 state government affairs consultants across the country. With Mudi, we will add to our capabilities. We couldn’t be more thrilled he’s joined the team.”
Kpohraror brings experience working in state legislatures across the country, including time working at Twitter, the office of U.S. Senator John Hoeven and the North Dakota Republican Party. He also brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from his time of service in the North Dakota National Guard.
“I am humbled and excited to be a part of such a great team and reputable organization. I look forward to working closely with the team and its member companies to represent the entire cigar industry while learning from those already actively working in the industry,” Kpohraror said.
Kpohraror is set to assume his role on May 23.
May 17, 2022
Hausmann Retires From Pyxus International

Photo: jovannig | Adobe Stock
Carl L. Hausmann intends to retire from the Pyxus International’s board of directors effective as of the 2022 annual shareholders meeting, according to a company press release.
Hausmann was appointed to Pyxus’ board of directors in October 2020 and serves on the environmental, social, governance and nominating committee as well as the audit committee. Additionally, Hausmann served as a member of the board of directors of Pyxus International’s predecessor, Alliance One International, from June 2013 to August 2018.
“On behalf of the board of directors, as well as Pyxus’ management team, we thank Carl for his guidance and many contributions over the years,” said Pyxus President and CEO Pieter Sikkel. “His extensive experience in the agricultural industry, thorough understanding of our operations and support of our ESG framework has been instrumental in establishing the foundation necessary to position Pyxus for success moving forward. It has been a privilege to work with Carl during both of his board appointments, and we wish him all the best in the years to come.”
The board of directors plans to fill Hausmann’s seat with an independent director, though this may not occur until after the company’s 2022 annual shareholders meeting.
May 6, 2022
Keagan Lenihan Joins PMI as Vice President

Photo: akub Jirsák | Dreamstime.com
Philip Morris International has appointed Keagan Lenihan as vice president of government affairs and public policy, and head of its D.C. office. Lenihan will serve as the Washington, D.C., lead for PMI’s U.S.-based external affairs efforts as the company continues to advance on its journey away from cigarettes, reporting to members of the company’s senior management team in the U.S. and globally.
Lenihan joins PMI from Altoida, a medical device company that uses artificial intelligence and augmented reality technologies to predict neurological disease, where she served as vice president of operations. Over the previous two decades, she worked in government and corporate and public policy, most recently as associate commissioner for external affairs and strategic initiatives and then chief of staff of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
In these positions, she oversaw daily management of the agency and provided strategic direction to senior leadership on policy priorities, including efforts to promote medical product innovation, tackle opioid abuse, identify solutions to prescription drug shortages, and pursue a comprehensive plan for tobacco regulation, with an emphasis on preventing youth use of tobacco products.

We are thrilled that Keagan will be joining us to further accelerate PMI’s journey toward a smoke-free future.
Deepak Mishra, president of PMI Americas
“We are thrilled that Keagan will be joining us to further accelerate PMI’s journey toward a smoke-free future,” said Deepak Mishra, president of PMI Americas. “Her passion for and expertise in healthcare, life sciences, and policy issues and her commitment to help our company reach the next phase in its ambitious transformation away from cigarettes make her an ideal addition to our global leadership team.”
Prior to serving at the FDA, Lenihan was senior counselor to the secretary of health and human services, overseeing an extensive portfolio of policy initiatives and reforms, including comprehensive drug pricing reform, price transparency, and regulatory reform. Before that, she was special assistant to the president, charged with managing hiring for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Education, Department of Housing and Urban Development, Department of Labor, and Office of Personnel and Management.
Earlier, Lenihan was senior director of government relations for McKesson Specialty Health. She also worked for almost a decade on Capitol Hill, serving three members of Congress who held positions in House leadership, as well as senior members of the Ways and Means and House Rules committees.
“Having spent two decades working to improve public health, I am delighted to join forces with PMI in their mission to move away from cigarettes and help current smokers who otherwise would not quit switch to less harmful alternatives while ensuring we protect youth,” said Lenihan in a statement. “PMI is not just transforming its business; with its smoke-free commitment, it is revolutionizing its industry and championing an unprecedented breakthrough for public health, including moving beyond nicotine to meet patient and consumer needs in the wellness and life sciences spaces. I’m excited to have been invited to play a role in making this happen even faster.”
May 3, 2022
Zeller: CTP Tenure ‘Incredibly Rewarding’

Photo: Tobaccco Reporter archive
Mitch Zeller, the outgoing director of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Center for Tobacco Products (CTP), described his tenure at the center as “incredible rewarding.” “I’ve had the opportunity to work with the best, hardest working people in the world and we’ve gotten a lot done, so my time here has been a joy,” he said in an interview published on the FDA website ahead of his retirement from public service in April.
Zeller joined the CTP as director in March 2013. During his tenure, the center grew from 426 people to more than 1,110. The CTP, said Zeller, also published multiple foundational rules and took action on just over 99 percent of marketing applications for 6.7 million products.
Asked about the remaining challenges for the CTP, Zeller cited the importance of taking action on the remaining marketing applications, but noted that the center and the agency are “more than up to the task.” He also stressed the importance of evidence-based policies.
“We must be faithful to our responsibility that whatever decision we make on any of them is firmly grounded in the science, whether we’re issuing a marketing authorization or a marketing denial order,” said Zeller.
Asked what advice he would give to the next CTP director, Zeller said he would encourage him or her to ask questions. “You’ll be working with extraordinarily talented people in the Commissioner’s Office and throughout the agency as well as the Department of Health and Human Services,” he said. “A lot of new insights and good thinking can come from people hearing a question that hadn’t occurred to them.
On the future of tobacco regulation, the outgoing CTP director said the opportunity over the next three to five years is for the center to continue the process of building the institution. “CTP remains the “baby” center in terms of how long it’s been around compared to the other FDA centers,” he said.
“In light of that, one of the things that I think I can safely predict is that more and more of those critically important foundational regulations will be proposed and finalized. With each one that comes, CTP will become that much more mature and stood up as a center like its sister centers that have been around for many, many decades.”
April 20, 2022
Groh to Lead U.S. Tobacconist Association

Photo: jirsak
Jennifer Groh is the new president of the Tobacconists’ Association of America (TAA), according to Halfwheel. Groh is associated with Metro Cigars in Germantown, Wisconsin, USA. Her tenure began at the end of March when she took over for Joe Arundel of Rain City Cigars in Seattle, Washington, USA.
The TAA consists of some of the top tobacconists in the U.S., including about 80 retailers and 40 manufacturers. The board of directors is largely made up of retail store owners who are members of TAA.
The TAA convenes annually to discuss issues facing the industry and retailers and to have its annual trade show.
April 19, 2022
Turning Point Appoints Chief Marketing Officer
Turning Point Brands has appointed Summer Frein as the company’s chief marketing officer, effective immediately. In this role, Frein is responsible for driving Turning Point Brands’ marketing strategy across the company’s extensive brand portfolio.
“As Turning Point Brands continues to transform into a more diversified consumer packaged goods company, Summer’s vast experience leading the planning, strategic development and execution for notable consumer brands will be extremely valuable,” said Yavor Efremov, president and CEO of Turning Point Brands, in a statement. “I look forward to working closely with Summer as she helps our team to improve our differentiated, world-class brands’ profile and consumer acceptance.”
Frein previously served as general manager at Cronos Group USA, where she designed and implemented the company’s sales and marketing strategy. Frein also previously led Cronos Group’s U.S. brand sales operations, including building and managing brand and retail partnerships for the Lord Jones and Happy Dance brands.
Prior to joining Cronos Group, Frein held a variety of senior leadership roles at Altria Group across sales, digital and brand marketing, strategy and business development. Notably, in 2018, she led Altria’s cannabis research investment initiative as part of Altria’s strategy and business development group.
“Over the course of my 15-year career, I have worked with leading adult-use consumer brands on many different sides of the business and watched Turning Point Brands evolve into the leading company that it is today,” said Frein. “This new opportunity will allow me to work with the dynamic team at Turning Point Brands to develop a long-term marketing strategy and help to fully unlock the value of the company’s iconic Zig-Zag and Stoker’s brands.”
April 13, 2022