Category: People

Philip Morris International has appointed Emmanuel Babeau as its chief financial officer, replacing Martin King. King will be taking on a new role as CEO, PMI America, a newly created function. Reporting to global CEO Andre Calantzopoulos, King will coordinate both international services based in the U.S. and all U.S. representation, including PMI’s relationship with Altria, which is commercializing IQOS in the American market.

Babeau will join PMI on May 1, 2020, from Schneider Electric, where he served most recently as deputy CEO in charge of finance and legal affairs. A native of France and graduate of ESCP Business School, he has spent nearly three decades leading fundamental change across industries.

“PMI is undergoing a period of intensive change as we transition away from cigarettes to our science-based smoke-free products—products that are much better alternatives than continued cigarette smoking,” said Calantzopoulos. “We are thrilled that Emmanuel will be joining us to further accelerate the PMI transformation towards a smoke-free future. He has an enviable track record of challenging the status quo and growing businesses under the most complex circumstances.”

During his 10 years at Schneider Electric, Babeau helped to grow the company from €18 billion market cap to approximately €60 billion ($66.73 billion), while transforming the business model from hardware products for electrical distribution into digital technologies driving the energy transition and industry 4.0. In 2019, Harvard Business Review cited Schneider Electric as one of the top 15 business transformations of the past decade. The company now has €27 billion in revenues and is a leader in digital solutions for efficiency and sustainability.

“PMI is precisely the challenge I was looking for: a global leader in its industry with a commitment to fundamental change—and one that is prompted not only by business strategy but also by a desire to operate more sustainably and in the interest of public health,” said Babeau. “I am excited about working with André Calantzopoulos, Jacek Olczak and the rest of the leadership team to achieve PMI’s business objectives.”

Japan Tobacco International (JTI) has appointed Neil Coupland as its new managing director in Bangladesh, reports The Daily Star, citing a company press release.

According to JTI, Coupland has nearly three decades’ experience in tobacco and related industries, working for companies such as British American Tobacco, Imperial Tobacco and security solutions provider Sicpa.

Coupland joined JTI in 2008 as general manager of Romania, Moldova and Bulgaria before taking on the role for Poland and Middle Americas.

“I am really excited to be in Bangladesh where the country is going through a transformation with a thriving economy, improved investment climate and pulsating energy around,” said Coupland.

“I am looking forward to work with the different stakeholders in and outside of our business to create JTI in Bangladesh as a role model of foreign investment contributing to the economy, people development and community investment.”

British American Tobacco Malaysia has appointed Jonathan Reed as its new managing director effective April 1, 2020, reports The Sun Daily.

Reed will replace Erik Stoel, who has been at the helm since June 2016 and has opted for early retirement.

Ronald J. Bernstein, president and CEO of Liggett Group and Liggett Vector Brands, will retire March 31 after nearly 30 years of service. Bernstein will continue to serve on Vector’s board of directors and has agreed to transition into the role of nonexecutive chairman of Liggett Vector Brands and senior advisor to both companies.

Nicholas Anson, current executive vice president for finance and administration, and chief financial officer of Liggett Vector Brands, will assume the role of president and chief operating officer of Liggett Group and Liggett Vector Brands. Anson joined Liggett Vector Brands in 2001 and has served in numerous senior roles during his tenure with the company.

“On behalf of the board and management, we sincerely thank Ron for his outstanding contributions over a successful tenure of almost three decades,” said Howard M. Lorber, president and chief executive officer of Vector. “Under Ron’s leadership, Vector’s tobacco segment has grown annual revenues to over $1 billion and gained meaningful market share.”

“It has been an honor and privilege to serve this great company for nearly 30 years, and I look forward to remaining involved with Liggett in my new roles,” said Bernstein.

Parkside Flexibles has appointed Chris Crawley as manager of business development in the Americas.

Headquartered in the U.K., and with factories in the U.K. and Malaysia, Parkside supplies print materials to the tobacco and related industries.

Crawley is well known in the tobacco and related sectors and will broaden Parkside’s contacts and business.

He can be reached at +1 804 873 5146 and chris.crawley@parksideflex.com.

Pax Labs, a supplier of premium cannabis vaporizer technology, has appointed Michael Murphy as its president and CEO.

Prior to joining Pax, Murphy was a managing director at AlixPartners and served as the local market leader for both the San Francisco Bay Area and Hong Kong practices. While at AlixPartners, Murphy led engagements both as a consultant and in management roles at companies including Nextwave Wireless, PacketVideo, as well as Diamond Foods and Home Depot’s Asia division.

“As the industry emerges from some tough months, I am excited about the opportunity Pax has to be the leading company in cannabis vaporization technology,” commented Murphy.

“Pax is already the recognized leader in providing premium products that prioritize transparency and customer safety. The brand is strong and the recently launched Era Pro is a testament to Pax’s legacy of producing the industry’s highest quality devices and commitment in continuing to provide customers with best-in-class technology.”

Jacqueline T. Williams will join the Universal Corp. board of directors effective April 1, 2020.

Williams has held several leadership roles for the state of Ohio over the last decade, most recently as the director of the Ohio Department of Commerce. She was also the chief of minority business development with the state’s Development Services Agency as well as executive director of the Ohio Liquor Control Commission.

She previously worked for the New America Foundation as a director in the College Savings Initiative, and she served for a decade as an executive director for the Ohio Tuition Trust Authority. She spent the first 15 years of her career with AT&T.

“We are delighted to have Jackie Williams join the Universal Corporation board of directors,” said George C. Freeman III, chairman, president and CEO of Universal Corporation.

“Jackie is an accomplished executive who brings more than 40 years of experience in leadership roles across the public and private sectors. The diversity of her experience will be a valuable addition to our board, and we look forward to benefiting from her unique insights and informed perspectives.”

Stefan Bomhard will join Imperial Brands’ board as chief executive officer effective at a date to be announced.

“After a thorough search process, which attracted strong, high caliber interest, the board is delighted to appoint Stefan as chief executive of Imperial Brands,” said Therese Esperdy, chair of the board. “Stefan’s initial priorities will be to strengthen performance and enhance shareholder value.”

“I’m delighted to be joining Imperial as the next chief executive,” said Bomhard. “I believe the business has a great future, and I’m looking forward to working with the group’s employees to maximize the opportunities that lie ahead and build a stronger, more sustainable business.”

Bomhard was previously the chief executive of Inchcape, the president of Bacardi’s European region,  chief commercial officer of Cadbury, chief operating officer of Unilever Food Solutions Europe, and he held senior management and sales roles at Diageo and Proctor & Gamble. Bomhard has a PhD in marketing and is a nonexecutive director on the board of Compass Group.

Following Bomhard’s appointment, Alison Cooper has stepped down as chief executive and board director effective immediately. Matthew Phillips has stepped down as chief development officer and board director effective immediately. Dominic Brisby, currently the divisional director for the Americas, Africa, Asia and Australasia, and Joerg Biebernick, the divisional director for Europe, will assume the roles of joint interim chief executive officers, reporting directly to Therese Esperdy until Bomhard assumes the CEO position.