Category: People

Andy Cars Joins Sting Free Board

Photo: Sting Free
Serial entrepreneur Andy Cars has invested in Sting Free and joined the company’s board of directors.
Since 2014, Cars has been running Lean Ventures International, focusing on structuring and streamlining innovation work in large companies. As part of that work, Cars helped develop the world’s first management system for innovation (ISO 56002), which was published in July 2019. Customers include H&M, Essity, Tieto, SMHI, BillerudKorsnas and Philip Morris.
Cars has also coached more than 200 startup teams to take their ideas to market. As a jury member of the European Innovation Council, Cars evaluates and funds scalable startups within the EU.
Cars holds a magna cum laude Master of Business Administration degree from the European University Business School in Lisbon.
“Sweden has the lowest number of smokers per capita in Europe and is the only country in the EU that allows the sale of snus,” said Cars in a press note. “I think that other countries will soon start to follow Sweden’s example. With tobacco-free nicotine pouches being permitted, not only in the EU but in most countries, such a development is already taking place.”
“Andy brings to the board a whole range of unique qualifications and valuable experiences that I am convinced will help Sting Free AB to continued success,” said Bengt Wiberg, CEO of Sting Free. “We are looking forward to soon launch the world’s first patented sting-free snus and nicotine pouches via licensees.”
The board of Sting Free now comprises Bengt Wiberg, Daniel Wiberg, Andy Cars and Lars Erik Stromberg. Advisers include Ken Storey, Curt Enzell, Tony Axell and Conny Andersson, who joined Sting Free in April.
Sting Free has developed a solution that eliminates the stinging sensation associated with snus use, thus reducing a barrier to tobacco users looking for less harmful methods of nicotine consumption.
Tobacco Reporter profiled Sting Free in July 2017 (see “Patching the Pouch”).
July 8, 2021
Former Juul Executive Joins Poda Lifestyle

Photo: Poda Lifestyle and Wellness
Former head of corporate affairs for Juul Labs Nicholas Kadysh has joined Poda Lifestyle and Wellness as a member of the global advisory board.
With over a decade of experience as a public affairs and regulatory expert, Kadysh has led government relations and regulatory departments for a number of large corporations, including acting as head of corporate affairs for Juul Labs, as government affairs and public policy leader for General Electric Canada and as director of public affairs for Red Bull Canada. Kadysh is currently the founder and CEO of PharmAla Biotech.
Prior to his work in the corporate sector, Kadysh gained a deep understanding of government as a campaign and legislative staff member in multiple levels of government, most recently directing the outreach department of the Office of the Leader of the Opposition at Queen’s Park in Toronto. He has also worked at the Canadian Parliament as a policy advisor.
Kadysh is trilingual (English, French and Russian) and is a graduate of Queen’s University. He is active in nonprofit and community initiatives in Toronto, including fundraising for Toronto East General Hospital and as a member of the board for Yonge-Dundas Square.
“I believe that Poda is well poised to gain significant market share in the rapidly growing heat-not-burn market,” said Kadysh in a statement. “With my vast experience in public affairs and as a regulatory expert, I look forward to helping guide Poda as they continue their global expansion. Entering highly regulated markets requires careful planning and skillful execution, and there are many potential pitfalls to be avoided.”
“Having worked closely with Nick at Juul Labs Canada, I can personally attest to the skill and expertise that Nick brings to the table,” said Michael Nederhoff, previous president of Juul Labs Canada, who joined Poda’s global advisory board in early July. “Nick has a wealth of regulatory experience across various categories and in multiple countries, which will be invaluable as we scale the business.”
July 7, 2021
Nederhoff joins Poda Lifestyle and Wellness

Photo: Poda Lifestyle and Wellness
Former Juul Canada President Michael Nederhoff has joined Poda Lifestyle and Wellness as a member of the global advisory board and consultant to Poda’s management team and the company’s board. As part of the consulting agreement, Nederhoff will be assisting Poda with its global expansion.
At Juul, Nederhoff was instrumental in dealing with commercial and regulatory aspects of the e-cigarette market. In addition, Nederhoff was previously responsible for launching Red Bull and CytoSport into Canada, and he is currently the CEO of Shelter.
“Poda’s revolutionary heat-not-burn product is exactly what I was looking to get behind to support a smoke-free future,” said Nederhoff in a statement. “There are more than 1.3 billion smokers in the world, and reduced-risk smoking products are essential to the longevity of this large population. I look forward to using my extensive experience in launching major CPG products to assist Poda as they roll out their global strategy.”
“Bringing Mr. Nederhoff onto the Poda team marks the addition of yet another seasoned industry-specific executive to our global advisory board, and we now have a well-rounded slate of proven leaders,” said Poda CEO Ryan Selby.

Bringing Mr. Nederhoff onto the Poda team marks the addition of yet another seasoned industry-specific executive to our global advisory board, and we now have a well-rounded slate of proven leaders.
Ryan Selby, CEO, Poda Lifestyle and Wellness
“Mr. Daniel Chen brings phenomenal experience and expertise in the global manufacturing and distribution realm and has worked with some of the biggest tobacco companies globally, including Japan Tobacco International, Imperial, British American Tobacco, Godfrey Philips India, Philip Morris International and China National Tobacco.
“Jon Ruiz spent over 15 years as a top-level executive at Philip Morris International—one of the largest tobacco companies in the world and the current leader in the global heat-not-burn market with their IQOS product.
“Mr. Michael Nederhoff is an expert in the fast-moving consumer goods market and was the Canadian president of the most successful e-cigarette company in the world (Juul). These individuals have joined the Poda team because they believe in the massive potential for Poda to capture substantial market share in the rapidly growing global heat-not-burn market. We already have an incredible product in Poda and our Beyond Burn Poda Pods, and now we are continuing to build an incredible team of proven professionals to support our global expansion goals. This is another major step toward our goal of becoming a major player in the global heat-not-burn market” stated Selby.
Pursuant to the consulting agreement, Poda has granted 485,000 restricted share units to Nederhoff at a price of $1.39.
July 2, 2021
Pyxus Chief Financial Officer to Retire

Photo: bortnikau
Joel L. Thomas will be retiring from his position as executive vice president and chief financial officer at Pyxus International upon the appointment of his successor. Thereafter, Thomas will continue to serve as a strategic advisor to facilitate the transition of his responsibilities until he retires from that position on or before June 30, 2022. The company has initiated an executive search for Thomas’ successor.
“On behalf of Pyxus and the board of directors, I would like to thank Joel for his dedication and contributions to the company,” said Pieter Sikkel, president and CEO of Pyxus International, in a statement.
“Throughout his time with the company, Joel has provided financial leadership and implemented innovative financing structures to meet our evolving global requirements. His leadership and dedication were critical over the past year as we navigated the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and implemented significant restructuring efforts that have positioned our business for long-term success. Joel’s passion for the business, our shareholders, our employees and our customers is evident to anyone who interacts with him, and I wish him all the best in the next chapter of his journey.”
Thomas has spent the past 16 years of his career with Pyxus International, including serving the last seven years as CFO.
“It has been a privilege to work and serve alongside our talented global team,” said Thomas. “I’m proud of the steps we have taken to create a solid foundation for the company that will enable it to achieve long-term success.”
June 30, 2021
Kretek Int’l Announces Leadership Promotions

Photo: tomertu
Kretek International has announced a series of senior management promotions.
Jason Carignan, currently chief marketing officer of Kretek, will become president of Phillips & King International and TMG International. Carignan’s new role will involve the strategic expansion and digital transformation of the Phillips & King and TMG businesses to serve the evolving needs of independent retailers across the country. Sergio Montolfo, executive vice president and general manager, will report to Carignan and will continue in his role overseeing sales and operations of the business.
Carignan joined the company in 2014 and is credited with the strong growth of Kretek’s many proprietary brands and subsidiaries. Most recently, Carignan served as president of Dryft Sciences, a Kretek subsidiary, where he led the start-up, manufacture and commercialization of Dryft nicotine pouches until the company’s sale to Modoral Brands in November 2020.
“I have tremendous confidence in Jason Carignan, who has championed many of the company’s key successes over the years,” says Kretek President Sean Cassar. “With Jason at the helm of Phillips & King, we’re ready to rapidly advance our business modernization efforts in order to capitalize on the many growth opportunities ahead and to achieve our corporate objectives.”
Additionally, Albert Jose, currently director of Kretek marketing, has been promoted to senior vice president of sales and marketing for Kretek. Jose joined Kretek in 2012, when he began as a brand manager, and over the past nine years has led marketing and brand management efforts for many of the company’s most important products, including Djarum and Cuban Rounds. In moving into his new role, Jose’s duties will expand to include oversight for all of Kretek’s dedicated sales channels and their related marketing programs and product development efforts.
“The Djarum and Cuban Rounds product portfolios represent significant growth opportunities for the company,” says Cassar. “We look forward to Albert Jose and the entire sales and marketing team working together to expand distribution and build on the strong sales and margin growth our company has achieved over the years.”
Both Jason Carignan’s and Albert Jose’s roles will take effect immediately.
June 28, 2021
Wilson White Joins Vector Group Board

Photo: tadamichi
Vector Group has appointed technology industry veteran Wilson L. White to its board of directors, effective immediately. White currently serves as senior director of government affairs and public policy at Google. With White’s appointment, Vector Group’s board expands to 10 directors.
“With many years of experience in the technology industry, including government relations and legal expertise, Wilson brings to the board a unique skillset that will further strengthen Vector Group’s commitment to staying at the forefront of our business’ rapidly evolving digital environment,” said Howard M. Lorber, president and CEO of Vector Group, in a statement. “Wilson is a results-oriented leader and collaborator, and we are thrilled to welcome him to our board of directors.”
“I am honored to join Vector Group’s board of directors and look forward to working with this talented team to advance the company’s goals for the benefit of all of its stakeholders,” said White.
In his current role at Google, White is responsible for managing a global team focused on advising senior product leadership on government affairs and public policy for the company’s core business units as well as developing and executing external advocacy initiatives on artificial intelligence, privacy and security, competition and other issue areas.
Prior to assuming this role in 2013, White served as a patent litigation attorney on Google’s legal team and was previously a patent litigator for the intellectual property practice of Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton.
June 23, 2021
Mishra to Lead PMI’s Americas Division

Deepak Mishra (Photo: PMI)
Philip Morris International has appointed former Chief Strategy Officer Deepak Mishra president of its Americas region effective July 1 as part of a restructuring initiative for that division. PMI’s Americas region covers the United States, Canada and Latin America.
The new structure in the Americas will focus on three areas: strengthening PMI’s leadership in Latin America and Canada as the company accelerates toward a smoke-free future; deepening efforts with partners to commercialize reduced-risk products in the U.S.; and building a vital launchpad for the company’s “beyond nicotine” strategy in the U.S. in coordination with PMI’s life sciences group through expanded partnerships and commercial deployment.
“I am thrilled to name Deepak Mishra, one of our top business leaders, to one of the most important roles for the future of our company,” said PMI CEO Jacek Olczak in a statement. “In less than three years with PMI, he has been instrumental in shaping our long-term strategy and bringing it to life through strategic partnerships and investments. Deepak brings to the role deep expertise in mergers and acquisitions, a likely component of our beyond nicotine strategy. He is both a visionary and a pragmatist, and I have high expectations for—and full confidence in—what he will accomplish in his new role.”
Prior to joining PMI, Mishra was managing director of portfolio operations at Centerbridge Partners, a private equity firm, where, from 2014, he led commercial, operational and digital transformations in investments in consumer services, renewable energy and distribution sectors.
Deepak brings to the role deep expertise in mergers and acquisitions, a likely component of our beyond nicotine strategy.
Jacek Olczak, CEO, PMI
Before Centerbridge, Mishra was a partner at McKinsey & Company in London. At McKinsey & Company, he was a member of the consumer goods, retail and operations leadership teams from 2001 to 2014 and supported clients in the fast-moving consumer goods, retail and private equity industries on commercial and operational transformations.
Mishra started his career as a marketing professional with Procter & Gamble in 1996 and then spent four years at Accenture’s strategy practice in India and Eastern Europe. He holds an undergraduate degree in computer science from BITS Pilani in India and a Master of Business Administration degree from the Indian Institute of Management Lucknow.

Martin King (Photo: PMI)
Martin King, who has been with PMI since 2003, most recently as CEO of PMI America and previously as chief financial officer, president of its Asia region, president of its Latin America and Canada region, and senior vice president of operations, will retire on Aug. 31, 2021. Prior to joining PMI, King served in various positions within Philip Morris USA between 1991 and 2003.
“We are deeply grateful to Martin King for his many years and many accomplishments at PMI and for the impact he has had in the U.S. in the year he spent getting the market ready for the push we plan to make in bringing both reduced-risk and, eventually, beyond nicotine products to consumers,” said Olczak. “Martin is an outstanding business leader and colleague, and we wish him the very best in the years to come.”
From July 1, PMI’s strategy and program delivery function, which formerly reported to Mishra, will report to Chief Financial Officer Emmanuel Babeau. Ankur Modi will assume the position of global head of strategy and program delivery. On Aug. 1, Reginaldo Dobrowolski will take on the role of vice president and controller, and Andreas Kurali will become deputy chief financial officer of finance transformation.
June 17, 2021
Crafton Joins Swisher as VP of Innovation

Zack Crafton (Photo: Swisher)
Swisher has appointed Zack Crafton as vice president of corporate innovation. In this position, Crafton will be working to diversify Swisher’s products and brands.
“This is a significant appointment for our company, and we welcome Zack’s wealth of innovation experience and leadership that will move Swisher to drive the implementation of our strategic objectives and expand our portfolio of products,” said John Miller, president and CEO of Swisher, in a statement. “Our first corporate innovation VP reflects our commitment to growth and the future of Swisher.”
Crafton has extensive experience and leadership in categories including wine, beer, cannabis and regulated e-commerce. Before joining Swisher, Crafton was CEO of the first online dispensary in California’s recreational cannabis market, paving the way for emerging cannabis brands and direct-to-consumer platforms across the cannabis industry. Prior to entering the California cannabis market, Crafton helped launch NakedWines.com where he built the largest online winery in the world as chief operating officer.

We welcome Zack’s wealth of innovation experience and leadership that will move Swisher to drive the implementation of our strategic objectives and expand our portfolio of products.
John Miller, president and CEO, Swisher
In 2020, Swisher announced a new corporate identity, purpose, mission, vision and strategic framework to develop new businesses, products and experiences while building on the legacies and strengths of existing products.
“I’m thrilled to join Swisher, and I look forward to building a robust innovation platform, unique capabilities and a durable plan to support Swisher’s growth and diversification goals into innovative categories,” said Crafton. “This is an exciting time where we look to diversify Swisher’s product and capability portfolio while helping to shape the future for adult consumers.”
June 7, 2021
Juan Manuel Ruiz Joins Poda as Strategic Advisor

Photo: tadamichi
Juan Manuel (Jon) Ruiz has joined Poda Lifestyle and Wellness as a strategic advisor.
“We are incredibly excited to have Mr. Ruiz join Poda Lifestyle as a strategic advisor,” said Ryan Selby, CEO of Poda, in a statement. “His extensive industry knowledge and experience from one of the most well-known tobacco companies in the world in Philip Morris will be invaluable as we continue to scale our operations and expand into new jurisdictions.
“Beyond his experience, Mr. Ruiz brings a proven track record of leadership, growth and value creation to the company.”
Ruiz was a key executive for Philip Morris International (PMI) for more than 15 years. In 2004, he was appointed CEO of Tabaqueira, a former Portuguese state monopoly that was acquired by PMI and was one of PMI’s top 10 contributors of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization worldwide.
In 2006, Ruiz was assigned the integration of Coltabaco in Colombia, one of PMI’s largest single investments to date. After 15 years at PMI and 20 years in the fast-moving consumer goods space, Ruiz decided to expand his professional experience as CEO of Colombia’s leading media group, Casa Editorial El Tiempo, founded by the grandfather of former Colombian president Juan Manuel Santos.
Poda Lifestyle and Wellness has developed a patented heat-not-burn system that uses proprietary biodegradable single-use pods, which are both consumer-friendly and environmentally friendly.
“I have seen the evolution of heat-not-burn products and found the thought and design behind Poda Lifestyle to be revolutionary based on its patented fully enclosed pod resulting in a zero-cleaning beyond burn experience,” said Ruiz. “It’s rare to get into a product like Poda Lifestyle at the ground level, first as an investor and now in an official capacity, and I look forward to the value that will be created as the company launches into the Asian and European markets.”
June 1, 2021
Website Profiles RLX Founder Kate Wang

Photo: RLX Technology
The Celebrity Net Worth website recently published a profile of RLX Technology Founder Kate Wang, who the publication describes as one of the richest self-made women in the world.
Wang graduated from Jiatong University with a degree in finance in 2005 and took a management trainee job at Proctor & Gamble in Guangzhou. In 2011, she moved to New York City to get her Master of Business Administration degree at Columbia.
After grad school, Wang spent a year at the Beijing office of Bain & Co. She then moved to Uber China, followed by the Chinese ride-sharing service Didi Chuxing, which merged with Uber China in 2016.
In 2017, Wang tried e-cigarettes to help her quit smoking, but she found the Chinese offerings available at the time to be terrible. She saw an opportunity and decided to focus on older smokers who were trying to quit, like her father, who was suffering the health consequences from his two-packs-per-day habit.
Through crowdfunding on JD.com, Wang raised $6 million in seed capital in June 2018, positioning the RLX Technology as a tech startup.
After a little more than a year of operation, RLX had garnered almost half of the largely unregulated domestic vaping market in China.
In January, RLX went public on the New York Stock Exchange and raised $1.4 billion.
However, when Chinese regulators in October 2019 banned internet sales of e-cigarettes to discourage underage vaping, 20 percent of the company’s business evaporated overnight.
Undeterred, RLX started building a physical store presence. In January 2020, RLX opened a flagship store in Shanghai. Today, RLX has more than 5,000 stores in 250 cities in China. The company requires ID and put facial recognition in place to prevent minors from shopping for e-cigarettes in RLX stores. RLX still has more than 60 percent of China’s growing e-cigarette market.
Despite the challenges, RLX’s sales grew 147 percent to $585 million in 2020, up from $19 million in 2018.
In March, however, Chinese regulators revealed a draft of rules that would reclassify e-cigarettes as tobacco products and bring them under the control of the State Tobacco Monopoly Administration (STMA). Such a move would greatly diminish vapor companies’ potential earnings. All tobacco products in China are sold through government-owned stores. In response to the news, the share price of RLX dropped 54 percent—erasing $16 billion from the company’s market cap.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission announced it would begin enforcing a law that Chinese companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange would have to provide audits or be de-listed.
In the worst-case scenario, Wang would be forced to sell at a price set by China Tobacco (which would likely jeopardize most, if not all, of her profit) and be forced to de-list in the U.S.
May 19, 2021