Category: People

BAT Appoints Chief Medical Officer
Senthil Vel
BAT has appointed Senthil Vel as its new chief medical officer.
Vel will play a central role in the research and development programs that support the company’s commitment to reducing the health impact of its business by offering consumers a range of alternative reduced risk tobacco and nicotine products.
Based at the BAT’s research & development hub in Southampton, Vel will be responsible for overall medical governance, ensuring robust medical processes and best practice are applied to all aspects of BAT’s work. He will help deliver robust evidence-generation programs designed to provide further scientific evidence that supports BAT’s new categories products.
“Sen is a highly experienced, much admired physician, with a proven track record of positively impacting national and global health policy, making him a natural addition to our leadership team,” said David O’Reilly, director, scientific research at BAT, in a statement.
Vel has more than two decades of international medical, pharmaceutical and device experience. Most recently, he served as chief medical officer of Bio Products Laboratory. He has led large medical teams across EMEA, APAC, and the US, working for large and mid-sized pharmaceutical and medical device companies, including Boston Scientific and Novo Nordisk, in clinical research, regulatory, safety, and medical affairs.
His experience includes designing non-clinical and clinical strategies to meet the regulatory requirements of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the European Medicines Agency, the U.K. Medical and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, and other major agencies worldwide. He has extensive experience in non-clinical and Phase I to Phase IV clinical studies including health outcomes programs for pharmaceuticals and devices. He is a Fellow of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Physicians, the medical body for advancing the science and practice of pharmaceutical medicine for the benefit of the public.
Vel qualified in medicine and trained in surgery under the Royal College of Surgeons of England and holds specialist registration in pharmaceutical medicine. He holds an MBA from Cranfield School of Management.
February 17, 2022
Robert Califf Confirmed as FDA Commissioner

Photo: FDA
The U.S. Senate on Feb. 15 narrowly confirmed Robert Califf as commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, reports The New York Times.
The vote was 50-to-46, with six Republicans crossing the aisle to support him while five senators who caucus with Democrats opposed him. One senator voted present.
A cardiologist who has served as the deputy commissioner of the FDA’s Office of Medical Products and Tobacco, as President Barack Obama’s FDA commissioner and as the head of medical strategy at Alphabet, Google’s parent company, Califf takes over the position from Janet Woodcock, the acting commissioner since President Joe Biden assumed office more than a year ago.
According to Vaping360, Califf has been generally antagonistic toward vaping as a consumer product. He was at the FDA helm in 2016 when the agency rolled out the Deeming Rule, which gave the FDA authority over e-cigarettes and other tobacco-free nicotine products.
Tellingly, the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids (CTFK) enthusiastically welcomed Califf’s appointment. “Dr. Califf is highly qualified and prepared on day one to address the enormous challenges facing the FDA, including the most significant decisions on tobacco in the agency’s history,” wrote CTFK President Matthew L. Myers in a statement.
Califf is expected to be sworn in this week. He faces a looming flurry of decisions, including reviews of premarket tobacco applications from leading e-cigarette companies, such as Juul Labs. He will also have to contend with litigation from vapor companies over marketing denial orders (MDOs).
After issuing MDOs to hundreds of manufacturers for hundreds of thousands flavored product, the agency has been challenged in court by more than 30 companies that claim their PMTAs were denied based on a standard that was not in place when the applications were submitted.
One of the new commissioner’s first tasks will be working with Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra to find a replacement for Center for Tobacco Products Director Mitch Zeller, who plans to retire in April.
February 15, 2022
Dahlia Garwe to Leave Tobacco Research Board

Photo: Taco Tuinstra
After eight years at the helm of Zimbabwe’s Tobacco Research Board (TRB), Dahlia Garwe is leaving the institution to pursue other interests.
Garwe joined the TRB in 1991 as a research officer in the analytical chemistry department. In 2003, she became a divisional coordinator, and in 2009, she was named assistant general manager of research and extension. In 2012, Garwe was appointed acting general manager, and in 2014, she became the TRB’s first female CEO.
In an interview with The Herald, Garwe reflected on the TRB’s achievements during her tenure. Despite the challenging economic environment, the institution continued to record surpluses thanks to several income-generating initiatives, such as the seed potato project.
During Garwe’s time at TRB, the institute’s scientists contributed significantly to international tobacco conferences and congresses, with quite a few of them assuming leadership roles in various international tobacco research bodies.
The TRB also released several new tobacco varieties, eight of which were released, including to other countries, such as Ethiopia, Rwanda and Tanzania.
Confronted with declining tobacco consumption, the TRB has also been exploring alternative crops, such as industrial hemp, in Zimbabwe.
Asked why she was leaving the TRB, Garwe cited Who Moved My Cheese by Spencer Johnson, a self-help book that encourages readers to adapt to change. According to Zimbabwe’s Public Corporate Governance Act, Garwe must retire within the next two years as her 10 years in office will be up.
“In the interim, I received a really exciting offer from a local agricultural player, which will allow me further growth,” Garwe told The Herald. “I decided to take it, and I am relishing the new challenge. I will miss TRB, but I am ready to move on.”
February 15, 2022
Pyxus Appoints Corporate Treasurer

Illustration: Skypixel | Dreamstime.com
Pyxus International appointed Tomas Grigera as its vice president and corporate treasurer.
Grigera joins Pyxus with more than 20 years of financial experience, spending the past 14 years employed by The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. During that time, Grigera oversaw various financial and treasury responsibilities on a global scale, including working capital management, forex strategy and trading, complex debt restructurings and liquidity planning. Grigera began his career in financial consulting and holds a Master of International Affairs degree from Columbia University.
“I am pleased to welcome someone of Tomas’ caliber to the company,” said Pyxus Chief Financial Officer Flavia Landsberg in a statement. “His extensive background cultivating and successfully executing financial strategies and strong stakeholder relationships throughout global markets are only a few examples of the value Tomas brings to Pyxus and our finance team.”
Grigera reports to Landsberg and is responsible for directing and managing the company’s corporate treasury functions, investor relations, financial planning and management reporting, and related activities.
February 10, 2022
Dinyar S. Devitre to Retire From Altria Board

Photo: Bill Gallery
Dinyar S. Devitre will retire from Altria Group’s board of directors following the completion of his current term. Consequently, Devitre will not stand for re-election to the board of directors at Altria’s 2022 annual meeting of shareholders, which is presently anticipated to be held on May 19, 2022.
“Altria has benefited from Dinny’s significant contributions for nearly 50 years, including the time he served as Altria’s senior vice president and chief financial officer and his 14 years on the board,” said Kathryn McQuade, Altria’s independent board chair, in a statement. “We thank him for his remarkable service to this company.”
“I’ve had the privilege and benefit of working closely with Dinny over my time in leadership,” said Billy Gifford, Altria’s CEO. “We will miss his insights and perspective built from so many years of distinguished service and wish him all the very best.”
A director on Altria’ s board since 2008, Devitre is the chair of the finance committee and a member of the compensation and talent development, nominating, corporate governance and social responsibility, and executive committees.
He is a director of IHS Markit, Avestar Capital, Pratham USA and the Brooklyn Academy of Music.
February 9, 2022
Jacinta Carter to Lead HR at Swisher

Jacinta Carter (Photo: Swisher)
Swisher has hired Jacinta Carter as executive vice president, human resources, people and culture effective Jan. 31. In this new role, Carter will lead all aspects of Swisher’s human resources operations, with a priority focus on organizational alignment, building strong pipelines for future hiring needs, promoting inclusion and opportunity in the workplace, and designing and evaluating career paths to meet the company’s business growth goals.
Carter will have a vital role in shaping the organization and in transforming the culture necessary to achieve Swisher’s long-term vision, and to empower employees in an inclusive culture of growth and opportunity.
“Jacinta is the right leader to help us continue to build an engaged, inclusive, and high-performing culture, which is vital for our business to thrive in 2022 and beyond,” said Swisher President Neil Kiely in a statement. “Her background and skills align with our guiding principles and business transformation goals. We are excited to have her join our team.”
Most recently, Carter served as senior vice president, human resources for Atrium Hospitality, where she created a highly sustainable and employee-centric organization and as a key member of the executive leadership team, grew the company from a small start-up into an industry leader. Before Atrium, she was vice president, corporate human resources and corporate communications at Graphic Packaging International, where she was responsible for strategic planning, communications, succession planning and employee learning.
“Joining Swisher represents a wonderful opportunity to build on what is already a positive, engaging and thriving environment,” said Carter. “I especially appreciate the strong intrapreneurial culture of growth and opportunity at Swisher, and look forward to forging new partnerships and creating opportunities in further developing existing talent and attracting new talent.”
February 1, 2022
FDA Looking for New CTP Director

Photo: BreizhAtao
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is now accepting applications for the position of director of the Center for Tobacco Products (CTP). The current director, Mitch Zeller, plans to retire in April.
The CTP director is responsible for planning, managing, directing and coordinating major tobacco program objectives to implement the Tobacco Control Act and related regulations.
This senior-level FDA position advises the FDA commissioner, senior FDA officials and others on all matters involving tobacco product regulation that have an impact on policy development and execution and long-range program goals. The director develops and executes the strategies for compliance outreach, enforcement, regulations and guidance formulation, science-based application review and other product regulation activities.
The individual selected for this position will represent the agency and establish/maintain relationships in meetings and conferences with top level FDA and Health and Human Services officials, national industry representatives, members of Congress, and counterparts from federal, state, local and foreign governments.
Candidates must complete their applications by 11:59 p.m. on Feb. 25, 2022.
January 29, 2022
Promotions at Keller and Heckman

Neelam Gill and Eric Gu (Photos: Keller and Heckman)
Keller and Heckman, a law firm specializing in the tobacco and vaping industries, has promoted Neelam Gill to counsel and Eric Gu to senior regulatory counselor.
A resident in the firm’s Washington, D.C., office, Gill practices in the area of food and drug law and tobacco and e-vapor law. In her tobacco and e-vapor practice, she advises tobacco, e-cigarette and e-liquid manufacturers, distributors, retailers, suppliers and trade associations on FDA, state and global regulatory compliance issues.
In the food and drug arena, she assists clients with a variety of FDA regulatory matters and labeling issues. Gill advises clients on preparation of FDA submissions, including premarket tobacco product applications, substantial equivalence reports, tobacco product master files and quality issues pertaining to the entire tobacco and nicotine product lifecycle.
A resident in Keller & Heckman’s Shanghai office, Gu practices in the area of food and food packaging law. He counsels clients on food labeling, food ingredients and food packaging compliance matters. In addition, he counsels clients on regulatory issues with respect to other products, including cosmetics, drug/drug excipients, tobacco and e-cigarettes and other consumer products.
Gu frequently assists clients in obtaining important premarket approvals and permits, including approvals of new food packaging substances, the food production license and the drug excipient registration. Gu’s regulatory experience extends to China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, Southeast Asia, the European Union and the United States.
January 29, 2022
China Probes Huabao Founder

Photo: Andrey Popov
Chinese regulators have announced an investigation into Chu Lam You, the majority shareholder in Huabao International Holdings, China’s largest e-liquid, tobacco flavoring and fragrance company.
One of China’s richest self-made women, Chu is being investigated for unspecified “suspected disciplinary violations,” according to a Hong Kong stock exchange filing. The company said in a statement that it was informed of the investigation by its subsidiary Huabao Flavours and Fragrances. “Up to the date of this announcement, the company has not been provided with any details of the nature of the suspected violations of Ms. Chu that [are] currently being investigated. The business operation of the group remains normal,” the company stated.
Huabao added that the subsidiary received a case filing notice from the Leiyang City Supervisory Committee indicating that the probe was being carried out by the Chinese Communist Party and the local government, according to the Financial Times.
Launched in 1996, Huabao produces flavors and fragrances used by tobacco manufacturers, including for the e-cigarette or vaping market, as well as food companies.
Like many high-profile Chinese businesspeople, Chu has also served on various industry and government advisory committees. The probe into Chu comes as China’s long-running anti-corruption campaign gathers momentum as Xi seeks to secure a historic third term.
January 25, 2022
Henrik Brandt Tapped as Next STG Chairman

Photo: jirsak
Scandinavian Tobacco Group’s (STG) board of directors intends to elect Henrik Brandt as chairman following Nigel Northridge’s decision to retire at the company’s next annual general meeting.
Northridge has informed the board of directors that he will not stand for reelection at the annual general meeting on March 31, 2022.
Northridge joined the board of directors in 2016 and has been chairman of the board of directors since 2017.
Subject to the elections at the annual general meeting in March 2022, the board of directors will elect Brandt as the new chairman of the board of directors. Brandt joined the board in 2017 as vice chairman.
“Nigel has been the chairman during a period of significant change and growth for Scandinavian Tobacco Group,” said Brandt in a statement. “During his tenure, the company has developed from being newly listed to a stronger company with a clear strategy in place for the future. Nigel deserves a lot of credit for having led this development. I also wish to thank the board of directors for their confidence in me as they express their intention to elect me as the future chairman.”
“It has always been my desire to retire in my mid-60s in order to spend more time with my wife and grandchildren,” said Northridge. “I have been honored to chair the board of directors of Scandinavian Tobacco Group for the past five years, and I have throughout enjoyed the cooperation with the board of directors and the strong leadership of the company. I am confident that Scandinavian Tobacco Group is well-positioned for continued growth and development. I wish my successor, my colleagues on the board of directors, the management and all employees of the company the very best for the future.”
Brandt has extensive executive and nonexecutive experience in leading international, publicly listed and private equity businesses. His career has included executive positions at the House of Prince, STG and Royal Unibrew.
In addition to being vice chairman of the board of directors of STG, Brandt is chairman of the board of Toms Gruppen, Fritz Hansen, Intervare and Danish Bake Holding. He is also a member of the board of directors of Ferd Holding, the Gerda and Victor B. Strands Foundation, Gerda and Victor B. Strand Holding and Social Grill.
January 25, 2022