Category: People

  • New President at PMFCT

    New President at PMFCT

    Photo: motortion

    Gijs Lambert Johan de Best will take over as president of Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Co. (PMFTC) in the Philippines, succeeding Denis Gorkun who has been the company’s president since September 2019, reports The Philippine Star.

    Gorkun will step down at the end of this month, concluding a nearly 30-year career at PMI.

    De Best is currently Philip Morris International’s vice president strategy and program delivery for South and Southeast Asia, the Commonwealth of Independent States and Middle East and Africa.

    After starting as a financial analyst at PMI’s Netherlands office in August 2004, he held managerial positions in Belgium, Spain, Switzerland, Germany, eventually becoming director of business development during his time in Hong Kong.

    PMFTC is a partnership between PMI and LT Group’s Fortune Tobacco Corp., which owns 49.6 percent of PMFTC. In 2023, the firm held 55.2 percent share of the Philippines’ tobacco market.

    PMFTC’s net income declined 26 percent last year to PHP11.38 billion ($198.05 million). LT Group attributed the drop to an industry-wide price increase in the first quarter of last year, which depressed sales.

    Rising illicit cigarette trade incidence and trade inventory movements also contributed to the lower income, according to LT Group.

  • Ivan Cahyadi to Lead Sampoerna

    Ivan Cahyadi to Lead Sampoerna

    Ivan Cahyadi (second from bottom left) will assume his new function on May 1. (Photo: Sampoerna)

    Ivan Cahyadi will succeed Vassilis Gkatzelis as president director of Philip Morris International’s Sampoerna subsidiary in Indonesia on May 1.

    Gkatzelis will join PMI’s executive leadership team as president of the East Asia, Australia and PMI duty-free region, overseeing strategic markets such as Japan, South Korea and China.

    “Vassilis has successfully led Sampoerna through a stellar performance over the last two years, allowing it to continue to realize its commitment to creating value and multiplier effects for the society at large,” said Sampoerna President Commissioner John Gledhill in a statement. “I would like to thank Vassilis for his contributions to Sampoerna and congratulate him on his new global leadership role at PMI.”

    Gledhill expressed confidence in Cahyadi’s leadership, praising his extensive experience and leadership.

    Cahyadi joined Sampoerna in 1996 as a management trainee and progressed through many positions in Sampoerna, including organization development manager (1999–2000), manager of market intelligence (2000–2004), head of sales strategic development (2004–2005) and head of sales zone (2005–2009). He was named director of sales and distribution for PMI’s affiliate in Malaysia in 2009 before returning to Sampoerna in 2010 as head of zone and being appointed as a member of the board of directors in 2016.

    In addition to approving Cahyadi’s appointment, Sampoerna shareholders also endorsed Yohan Lesmana as a director during the company’s annual meeting on April 23.

  • Parkside Gets Business Development Manager

    Parkside Gets Business Development Manager

    Luke Clark (Photo: Parkside)

    Parkside has appointed Luke Clark as its new business development manager.

    Boasting almost 20 years of experience working in sales roles within the packaging industry, Clark will focus on growing Parkside’s consumer goods and tobacco segments as the company looks to further enhance its plans across Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

    “I am delighted to join Parkside to help drive our business forward,” said Clark in a statement. “We have a long-established reputation across the flexible packaging market for service and quality coupled with a broad and innovative product range meeting many of the ever-changing market demands and needs. The opportunity to help present these to customers is something I’m looking forward to.

    “I have known Luke for over 10 years,” said Parkside Group Sales Director Paul McKeown. “I am aware of his background knowledge and his skill set in the flexible packaging sector. His ambition, energy and development plans match those of us here at Parkside. We are excited to see what Luke will achieve as he works with the Parkside team to bring our sustainable portfolio and market-leading technical capabilities to the market.”

  • Sullivan and Mish Resign From 22nd Century Group’s Board

    Sullivan and Mish Resign From 22nd Century Group’s Board

    Photo: Charnchai saeheng

    Nora Sullivan and James Mish have resigned as a directors of 22nd Century Group. In a press note, the company said it does not intend to fill the vacated seats and will instead reduce the board to four seats as part of its focus on corporate cost efficiency.

    “We thank Nora and Jim for their service to the company over the years,” said 22nd Century Group Chairman and CEO Larry Firestone.

    “We plan to reduce the size of the board in 2024, in addition to the previously announced reduction in board compensation, consistent with our efforts to achieve breakeven operations. In total, these changes to our board are expected to save more than $1 million annually.”

  • Mustafa Named Influential Executive

    Mustafa Named Influential Executive

    Shay Mustafa | Photo: Reynolds

    Shay Mustafa, senior vice president of business communications and sustainability for Reynolds, has been named one of the 2024 Most Influential Executives in Corporate America by Savoy magazine. Mustafa is among a dynamic and diverse group of CEOs, chief operating officers and top executives who exemplify exceptional leadership and influence in the corporate world.

    A member of Reynolds’ U.S. executive team and member of the global leadership community for Reynolds’ parent BAT, Mustafa has a key role in helping to transform the tobacco and nicotine industry. In her current role, Mustafa leads the strategic communications and sustainability agenda for the U.S., the global BAT Group’s largest operating region. Previously, she held commercial leadership positions across the Reynolds organization’s brand portfolio, including launching, commercializing and responsibly marketing next-generation products.

    “I am deeply honored to be recognized by Savoy magazine and to be among this highly influential and esteemed group of leaders,” said Mustafa in a press release. “Collectively, our leadership is transforming companies across the globe and ushering in more diversity within the leadership ranks.”

    “The Savoy recognition shines a bright spotlight on the careers of accomplished corporate leaders and serves as a beacon to those who are just starting on their career journey and to those who are at a professional midpoint, seeking to break through to the executive level.”

    Savoy magazine’s selection process for the Most Influential Executives in Corporate America involved a meticulous review of accomplishments in corporate influence, academic achievement, career growth, community outreach and recognition. This year’s list features over 300 distinguished professionals across various industries, demonstrating breadth and depth of talent in leadership.

    Mustafa was a 2023 Global 100 Empower Executive, recognizing efforts to promote diversity and inclusion. She is also the executive sponsor of the African American Employees Resource Group at Reynolds. In 2023, she founded BAT’s Women’s Executive Network to advance and sustain gender diversity and inclusivity within BAT’s executive leadership ranks globally.

  • Chalkey to Boost PCA Government Affairs

    Chalkey to Boost PCA Government Affairs

    Credit: Thapana Studio

    The Premium Cigar Association (PCA) has hired Richard Chalkey as its new director of Coalitions and Policy. Chalkey brings over a decade of professional experience from work in government and the private sector, according to an emailed press release.

    “The Premium Cigar Association has worked with Richard since his time in the West Wing of the White House through Congress and we look forward to having him join our team,” stated PCA Deputy Executive Director Joshua Habursky. “It is rare to find someone in Washington who has worked in the House, Senate, and White House –especially someone who worked four years in a White House and in the West Wing. We are glad to have the perspective and network that Richard will bring.”

    Previously, Chalkey served as the associate director of the National Economic Council and as the associate director of the Office of Legislative Affairs in the Trump White House. During his four years of service at the White House, Chalkey managed policy rollouts for the directors of his departments and in coordination with White House Senior Staff and Cabinet Agencies.

    Most recently, Chalkey served as deputy chief of staff for Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina in the 117th and 118th Congress. Prior to the White House, Chalkey also served in the office of former U.S. Senator Mark Kirk and former Congressman Rodney Davis, both of Illinois.

    Chalkey holds a bachelor of science in Management – International Business and a bachelor of science in Marketing from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He is a U.S. State Department Gilman Scholar for studying abroad at the University of Hong Kong and currently is a May 2024 expected executive MBA candidate for the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia.

  • In Memoriam: Robert Lockwood

    In Memoriam: Robert Lockwood

    Tobacco publishing icon Robert Morris Lockwood passed away peacefully on April 1, 2024.

    Lockwood was born on March 23, 1945, to George and Katherine Lockwood in New Rochelle, New York, USA. He graduated high school from Lawrence Academy in Groton, Massachusetts, where he was captain of the wrestling team and state champion for two years.

    Lockwood went on to study history at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. After graduating, he started his lifelong career at the Lockwood Trade Journal Co. in New York City. From an enthusiastic salesman, he progressed to president of the company. In 1965, Lockwood married Virginia Mary Emmerson in New Rochelle. Robert and Virginia had two children, Robert and Renee.

    Lockwood had a lifelong passion for sailing. He began teaching sailing as a teenager for Sutton Manor in New Rochelle.

    Robert Lockwood was predeceased by Virginia, his parents, and his brother Fred. He is survived by his sisters, Katherine Hayslip and Barbara Lockwood; his brother George; his daughter, Renee Lockwood-Pansire, and her husband, John; and his son, Robert Lockwood, his wife, Paige, and their children, Blaire and John.

  • KT&G Appoints Bang as President and CEO

    KT&G Appoints Bang as President and CEO

    Kyung-man Bang (Photo: KT&G)

    KT&G Corp. appointed Kyung-man Bang as its president, CEO and representative director.

    Despite opposition from some shareholders, Bang was elected president with overwhelming support during KT&G’s annual meeting on March 28, according to the company. The election of CEO and outside director was conducted jointly through combined cumulative voting as per shareholder request, with the aim of protecting minority shareholder rights.

    “I am deeply grateful to the shareholders for entrusting me with the honorable opportunity to serve the company as CEO, and to the employees for their tireless work and dedication across both domestic and international business arenas,” said Bang.

    “We are committed to achieving our vision of becoming a global top-tier company by taking a leap forward and leveraging our three core business areas—overseas combustibles, next-generation products and health-functional food—as the cornerstone for growth. We will also put our best effort to enhance corporate value and to establish a strong foundation of trust with stakeholders by sharing our profits with various stakeholders.”

    Furthermore, Bang introduced his “T-O-P strategy,” a new business approach designed to help KT&G achieve its vision of becoming a top player. According to Bang, “T-O-P” stands for “trust,” “origin” and “professionalism.”

    It aims to demonstrate KT&G’s commitment to enhancing stakeholders’ trust with proactive engagement, establishing an undisputed “origin” with a first-mover approach and securing global expertise and professionalism through performance and growth.

    Bang encouraged employees to build upon KT&G’s legacy of persevering through numerous crises and to aspire to new heights of success by taking on new and daring challenges.

    Since joining Korea Tobacco and Ginseng (KT&G’s predecessor) in 1998, Kyung-man Bang has held various management positions at the company, including roles such as managing director of brand management, executive managing director of global headquarters, executive managing director of strategy and planning headquarters, and chief business officer.

    As managing director of brand management, Bang helped KT&G solidify its leadership position in the domestic market by launching ESSE Change, which has become a leading brand. Moreover, during his tenure as executive managing director of global headquarters, Bang expanded KT&G’s overseas market presence to more than 100 countries and delivered an unprecedented KRW1 trillion in overseas sales by developing tailored brand portfolios for each market and accelerating market expansion efforts.

    As chief operating officer, Bang has played a pivotal role in executing the company’s mid-term to long-term growth strategy that focuses on three core business areas. He has made significant contributions to expanding the direct business model for the company’s overseas combustibles business, driving rapid growth in the next-generation product business, and establishing localized value chains for overseas health-functional food business.

    During the annual meeting, shareholders also approved the appointment of Dong-hwan Shon and Sang-wook Kwak as outside directors, with Kwak also serving as an audit committee member. “We are fully dedicated to driving the company’s growth and enhancing shareholder value, with the newly formed board of directors leading the change at the forefront,” the company wrote in a press release.

  • Phelps to Lead CTP Policy and Partnerships

    Phelps to Lead CTP Policy and Partnerships

    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Tobacco Products has selected Natasha Phelps as the center’s associate director for policy and partnerships. She will assume her new role on May 6.

    Phelps comes to the CTP from The Center for Black Health & Equity, where she served as the director of equity-centered policies. Prior to this, Phelps spent five years at the Public Health Law Center, where she specialized in commercial tobacco law and policy.

    Phelps received her Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology and legal studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She received her law degree from William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul, Minnesota.

    According to the FDA, Phelps was selected after an extensive nationwide search, multiple interview panels that evaluated a well-qualified applicant pool, and clearance through agency ethics and security processes.

  • Harpantidis to Lead PMI External Affairs

    Harpantidis to Lead PMI External Affairs

    Photo: PMI

    Philip Morris International has appointed Christos Harpantidis to the position of senior vice president of external affairs effective May 1, 2024. In his new role, Harpantidis will report to the company’s CEO, Jacek Olczak.

    “Christos is an experienced business leader with a proven track record of engaging society on the benefits of tobacco harm reduction and risk-proportionate regulation for smoke-free products,” said Olczak in a statement. “He has been instrumental in building our smoke-free business in Greece and the Southeast Europe area as we evolve away from cigarettes. I’m looking forward to working with Christos and excited to see what opportunities we can unlock as he takes the helm of our external affairs function globally.”

    Since joining PMI in 2003, Harpantidis has held several positions, including setting the commercialization strategy for smoke-free products in Lausanne, Switzerland, and serving as chairman and managing director of Papastratos in Greece. Most recently, he served as area vice president of Southeast Europe. Throughout his career at PMI, he has contributed to growing the company’s smoke-free consumer base, expanding its brand portfolio and advocating for regulations consistent with PMI’s smoke-free ambitions. Prior to joining the company, he worked at Coca-Cola Hellenic. Harpantidis holds a degree in physics from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece, as well as master’s degrees in economics and business administration from Kent University in the United Kingdom.

    “Leading our dynamic external affairs function globally is an enormous honor,” said Harpantidis. “I look forward to building on the remarkable progress already achieved by the team, which is resulting in science-based tobacco harm reduction policies being endorsed by more countries.”

    This appointment follows the decision of Gregoire Verdeaux to leave PMI at the end of April to pursue other professional opportunities. During his tenure, Verdeaux expanded the company’s global tobacco harm reduction strategy and, with the team, built compelling policy positions and advocated for regulations consistent with PMI’s smoke-free ambitions.

    “Thanks, in large part, to Gregoire’s efforts, tobacco harm reduction policies are now endorsed by a growing number of countries,” said Olczak. “Under Christos’ leadership, I believe that the external affairs function will ensure that this positive momentum is maintained and further amplified.”