Category: People

BAT Appoints Chief People Officer

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BAT has appointed Cora Koppe-Stahrenberg to the new role of chief people officer. She will join the BAT management board on Nov. 1, 2023.
Bringing critical experiences from other sectors and industries, Koppe-Stahrenberg was most recently global head of human resources of Fresenius Medical Care, a publicly listed global healthcare company with over 125,000 employees. While at Fresenius Medical Care, Koppe-Stahrenberg established a new global HR function and implemented a global people strategy, which focused on the creation of a collaborative and empowering culture delivered through a number of change initiatives. Previously, Koppe-Stahrenberg held various international senior HR positions at Marsh and McLennan Companies, Emirates Investment Authority and General Electric.
“I am delighted to welcome Cora to the management board,” said BAT CEO Tadeu Marroco in a statement. “This is a significant management team enhancing appointment for BAT. Culture and collaboration are at the heart of my leadership agenda; Cora shares these values and will play a key role in the group’s transformation to build ‘A Better Tomorrow.’ I have no doubt that Cora will bring a fresh perspective having worked internationally in multiple sectors outside our industry and will bring new insights and capability to our management team.
“I look forward to working with Cora to deliver a winning culture and a dynamic, modern BAT.”
The chief people officer will report to the chief executive.
October 13, 2023
Clifford Douglas to lead Smoke-Free Foundation

Photo: FSFW
The Foundation for a Smoke-Free World has named Clifford E. Douglas as president and CEO. Douglas most recently served as director of the University of Michigan Tobacco Research Network and as adjunct professor in the department of health management and policy at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. Prior to that he was the American Cancer Society vice president for tobacco control. Early in his career Douglas worked to eliminate smoking on airline flights and was an attorney and advisor in landmark lawsuits against tobacco manufacturers.
Douglas has also managed a $6 million campaign to eliminate smoking on college campuses, and worked to help Americans understand the relationship between smoking and Covid-19. Douglas has served as the assistant director of the Coalition on Smoking and Health; he was also the associate director of the American Lung Association national public affairs office and has been the tobacco control advisor to the U.S. Assistant Secretary for Health and the U.S. Surgeon General.
“For decades Cliff Douglas has been a strong and influential voice in the work to eliminate smoking in America and globally,” said Pam Parizek, chair of the Foundation board of directors, in a statement. “He understands both the science and societal elements of tobacco issues. His credentials are exceptional, and we are pleased he will lead our foundation effort to fund meaningful research and engage in evidence-based education efforts that help those at greatest risk stop smoking.”
The Foundation is a nonprofit, independent grantmaking organization, dedicated to ending the illness and death caused by smoking.
Douglas believes the Foundation is uniquely positioned to reduce smoking globally, “Our mission is to help end smoking in this generation,” he said. “I have committed myself to this mission for 35 years and look forward to leading this organization in innovative and impactful efforts to accelerate reductions in smoking prevalence and improve public understanding regarding the nature and health impact of nicotine, and as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has highlighted, the continuum of risk among different tobacco and nicotine products. We will continue to be a strong and independent voice in helping people around the world find healthier lifestyles.”
“Our mission is to help end smoking in this generation. I have committed myself to this mission for 35 years and look forward to leading this organization in innovative and impactful efforts to accelerate reductions in smoking prevalence.
Clifford Douglas, CEO, FSFW
“The Foundation is about to enter a new era under the leadership of Cliff Douglas,” said Parizek. “We certainly are appreciative of those who have previously supported our work, and going forward the Foundation remains fully committed to our smoking cessation and tobacco harm reduction efforts around the world.”
Philip Morris International recently made a final grant to the Foundation and the pledge agreement between Philip Morris and the Foundation has been concluded. “Moving forward the Foundation will seek to collaborate with associations and institutions to accelerate our investments in life saving research projects based on the most up to date science,” said Parizek.
October 13, 2023
Habanos Operational Marketing Director
Beatriz Garrido García
Habanos, S.A., the distribution arm of Cuban cigars, announced today that Beatriz Garrido García has been appointed as the new operational marketing director.
Garrido has a degree in Scientific and Technical Information. She has been linked to the world of Habanos since 1997, starting as a commercial information specialist for the Operational Marketing Division, according to a press release.
In 2001, she served as a market intelligence specialist belonging to the Strategic Marketing management.
Later on, her career was consolidated and in 2009 she was appointed to the position of market supervisor at Tabacalera S.L.U., until 2013.
She then began to work in commercial management as an international saleswoman. In 2017, she served as corporate director for Phoenicia Trading, the exclusive distributor of Habanos for Africa and Middle East.
Later, she held the position of commercial director of Cigarte Ibérica based in Spain. Before being appointed as operational marketing director, Garrido served as international market supervisor.
October 12, 2023
BAT Adds Murray Kessler to Board

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Murray S. Kessler will join the board of BAT as an independent nonexecutive director and member of the nominations and remuneration committees with effect from Nov. 6, 2023.
Murray previously held several senior positions, including chief executive, president and board member of Perrigo; president, chief executive officer and chairman of the board of Lorillard Tobacco Co.; vice chair of Altria Group; and president, chief executive officer and chairman of the board of UST. Prior to joining UST, Murray had a 12-year career with Campbell Soup Company, having served as vice president of sales and marketing, general manager of the Swanson division of Campbell Soup and other leadership roles.
Commenting on the appointment, Luc Jobin, chair of the board, said: “I am pleased to welcome Murray Kessler to our board. Murray has extensive leadership experience in growing consumer product companies and managing regulated businesses, and I am looking forward to his contribution as we accelerate our strategy to build ‘A Better Tomorrow.’”
October 5, 2023
JTI Malaysia Appoints Juliana Mohd Yahaya

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Japan Tobacco International Malaysia appointed Juliana Mohd Yahaya as managing director effective Oct. 1, according to The Edge Malaysia.
Yahaya will take the place of Khoo Bee Leng, who will retire after 30 years with the company.
“[Yahaya] brings a wealth of experience to the role, having assumed various leadership positions at Japan Tobacco International’s (JTI) global center as well as in markets,” said JTI Malaysia.
Yahaya joined JTI Malaysia in 2000, and she has held various roles in marketing and sales. She also worked at JTI’s Geneva headquarters and in leadership roles across Asia and Europe. Yahaya has been leading the Belgium and Luxembourg markets since 2020.
“JTI Malaysia would also like to take this opportunity to thank Khoo Bee Leng for her dedicated service and leadership, and we wish her a happy retirement,” the company said. Leng started in the role of managing director on Jan. 1, 2021.
October 3, 2023
Victoria Harker Joins PMI Board

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Philip Morris International appointed a new member, Victoria Harker, to serve on the board of directors, effective Jan. 1, 2024.
Harker is an experienced U.S. public-company chief financial officer, having served in the role with three different companies, and she has been involved in significant corporate transformations in the consumer, industrial and utility sectors for over 25 years. She is a high-energy, action-oriented, strategic executive who has worked at a significant scale, most recently as executive vice president and chief financial officer of TEGNA Inc., a global media and digital communications company, a position she will step down from effective Dec. 31, 2023. Prior to this, she served as executive vice president, chief financial officer and president of global business services of The AES Corporation, a global power company. She has served as a nonexecutive member of the boards of directors of two large and complex U.S. public companies, Huntington Ingalls Industries and Xylem Inc., since the time of their respective spinoffs. Harker also serves as the audit committee chair for Huntington Ingalls Industries and as the compensation committee chair for Xylem Inc. She is vice chair of the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, a member of the University of Virginia Health System board and was previously a member of the University of Virginia board of visitors.
Andre Calantzopoulos, PMI’s executive chairman, commended Harker on the appointment, and said in a statement, “We are delighted to welcome Victoria to the PMI board of directors. Her broad finance and business experience will further strengthen and diversify the capabilities of our board in successfully guiding our company through its ambitious and highly promising journey toward a smoke-free future and beyond.”
September 18, 2023
Pyxus Reorganizes

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Pyxus International has announced a new, streamlined organizational structure designed to increase operational efficiencies, drive organizational effectiveness and create stakeholder value.
The company will split the role and responsibilities of the Alliance One president, creating two new leadership positions—executive vice president, chief operating officer (COO) and executive vice president, business strategy & sales.
In addition, it will redesign of the company’s current business services function and rebrand the company’s current communications, sustainability and external affairs function, positioning it as a standalone corporate affairs department
Alliance One’s president, Alex Strohschoen, has departed the company to pursue new opportunities. Additionally, the organizational structure changes align with Herbert Weatherford, Alliance One senior vice president, business relationship manager’s intent to retire in March 2024 after 34 years of service.
“In line with one of Pyxus’ key themes for fiscal year 2024—simplification—our updated organizational structure connects our core business functions with our strategic priorities to drive accountability and operational results while reducing unnecessary or burdensome complexities,” said Pyxus President and CEO Pieter Sikkel. “We have assembled a strong, diverse leadership team and I am confident this new structure further positions Pyxus as a future-facing, agile business as we continue prioritization of growth and long-term success.”

In line with one of Pyxus’ key themes for fiscal year 2024—simplification—our updated organizational structure connects our core business functions with our strategic priorities to drive accountability and operational results while reducing unnecessary or burdensome complexities.
Pieter Sikkel, president and CEO, Pyxus
Pyxus has appointed Scott Burmeister to the newly created position of executive vice president, COO. Burmeister has served the company in several capacities since joining in 1996, most recently leading the business’ Europe, Middle East and Africa region. As COO, he will focus on the company’s global operations, quality and output, with oversight of the business’ regional director positions, and the global agronomy department and value-added agricultural products division.
Dustin Styons has been named Pyxus’ executive vice president, business strategy and sales, responsible for business-to-business strategy, business relationship management, business development and the company’s e-liquids division. Styons joined the company in 2005, most recently serving as vice president, corporate finance and business development.
Tracy Purvis, who has led the Pyxus’ global business services function since 2018, has been tasked with its redesign under the new title of executive vice president, global business & information services. Purvis, who joined the company in 1990, will leverage Pyxus’ IT assets to drive cost competitiveness, efficiencies and effectiveness with a focus on process automation and simplification, data analytics, validation and visualization, and productivity collaboration.
To align with the business’ strategic focus area of environmental, social and governance (ESG), as well as the growing importance of addressing all stakeholders equally to mitigate risk, enhance brand value and ensure consistent, transparent messaging, Miranda Kinney has been promoted to senior vice president, global communications & sustainability. She will lead the company’s newly formed global corporate affairs department and will remain responsible for internal and external communications, crisis management, sustainability and ESG, and external and government affairs.
All four positions will report to Pyxus’ president and CEO.
September 14, 2023
Morachnick to Lead Charlotte’s Web

Image: Tobacco Reporter archive
Charlotte’s Web Holdings appointed William (Bill) Morachnick as CEO. Morachnick has also been appointed to the company’s board of directors as a nonindependent director. He replaces CEO Jacques Tortoroli, who has elected to resign from his roles at Charlotte’s Web.
Morachnick has a record of building premium, differentiated products and brands across multiple channels throughout the world and across a broad range of product categories.
Prior to joining Charlotte’s Web, Morachnick was president at Santa Fe Reynolds Tobacco International Zurich (SFRTI) from 2006 to 2016. He took SFRTI from a startup to a highly profitable organization, managing several hundred employees and a network of importers/distributors operating in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. SFRTI was acquired by Japan Tobacco Group in 2016 for $5 billion. Morachnick led the subsequent integration of the combined companies as CEO and chairman based in Tokyo, Japan, for two years before returning to the U.S. in 2018.
Since returning to the U.S., he has served as an executive advisor or board member for several companies seeking to launch and/or expand their businesses in the U.S. and overseas markets.
“Bill has an accomplished career building businesses in multiple categories,” said John Held, chairman of Charlotte’s Web. “With his proven operational expertise, Bill is well suited to take the reins to lead the Charlotte’s Web team through the next phase of the company’s growth opportunities.”
The company expressed its gratitude to Tortoroli for his contributions. ‎“Jacques served on the company’s board since November of 2019 and as CEO since late 2021 in a difficult environment devoid of regulatory oversight and clarity,” said Held. “Under his leadership as CEO, Jacques streamlined the organization, reduced the cash burn and recapitalized the company through a strategic $57 million investment from BAT via a convertible loan.”
In November 2022, BAT announced a £48.2 million ($57.4 million) investment in Charlotte’s Web.
September 13, 2023
Sampoerna Announces Executive Changes

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Sampoerna has appointed Johan Bink as the operations director, succeeding Dina Lombardi, and Gunnar Beckers as marketing director, succeeding Francisca Rahardja.
Previously, Bink served as director of manufacturing at Papastratos, an affiliate of Philip Morris International in Athens, with over 33 years of experience in supply chain management and production planning.
Beckers previously served as PMI global head of consumer experience in Lausanne, Switzerland, with over 20 years of experience in marketing.
“Johan’s extensive experience in operations, from production floor to central functions, and his strong communication and leadership skills will continue to be great assets in his new role,” said Sampoerna President Director Vassilis Gkatzelis in a statement.
“Meanwhile, Gunnar is a well-rounded executive, who has consistently created value across diverse assignments at global, regional and market levels. His strategic perspective, wide international experience, strong collaborative spirit, focus on consumers, and ability to build brands will be great assets in his new role.”
Gkatzelis also expressed his gratitude to Lombardi and Rahardja for their contributions and leadership at Sampoerna. Both will assume new responsibilities within the PMI organization.
“Ibu Dina has always prioritized the safety and development of our people, thus role-modeling the Sampoerna and PMI values during the very challenging pandemic period. She guided Operations in reaching monumental milestones, including the establishment of the manufacturing facility for innovative smoke-free tobacco products,” said Gkatzelis.
“Meanwhile, Ibu Francisca has been leading the Marketing organization through very challenging times in a forward-looking way. In addition, she built solid foundations for the Consumer-Centric Organization. At the same time, she also contributed to the early journey of the innovative smoke-free tobacco products that Sampoerna introduced to adult consumers in Indonesia,” said Gkatzelis.
August 29, 2023
Kaival Promotes Stephen Sheriff to COO

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Kaival Brands Innovations Group has promoted Stephen Sheriff to chief operating officer.
Sheriff succeeds Eric Mosser, who was recently promoted to CEO, and joins Mosser and recently appointed Chief Financial Officer Thomas Metzler as a part of Kaival Brands’ expanded senior management team.
“Promoting Stephen to the role of chief operating officer was a natural and logical next step given his contributions to the success of Kaival Brands to date and his experience helping businesses navigate through rapid periods of growth and change,” said Mosser in a statement. “He has a strong entrepreneurial spirit and will be instrumental in helping us take our business to the next level. With a deep understanding of our operations, the capital markets and what it takes to develop and execute a strategy with proven results, he is a great addition to our C-suite leadership team.”
Sheriff brings more than a decade of finance and entrepreneurial leadership to his new role. Most recently, he served as the director of administration and communications at Kaival Brands. In this role, he managed the company’s investor and public relations and human resource programs in addition to overall responsibility for the development and implementation of key programs and initiatives, including customer and vendor relations.
Prior to Kaival Brands, Sheriff co-founded Riverhill Group, a capital markets advisory and consulting firm.
August 29, 2023