Tag: Debra Crew

  • R.J. Reynolds signs vapor technology term sheet with BAT

    R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (RJR) has signed a technology-sharing term sheet with British American Tobacco (BAT) that provides a framework for collaboration and mutual cross-licensing of vapor product technologies through 2022.

    The term sheet is the first step in reaching a definitive agreement under which RJR and BAT will collaborate to develop next-generation vapor products. Specifics of the agreement are still being negotiated by the companies, who have a goal of reaching a definitive contract by the end of the year. The collaboration will include a process for joint research and development activities, as well as cooperation on regulatory, scientific and manufacturing issues related to vapor products.

    “This proposed technology-sharing agreement makes great business sense as we lead the transformation of the tobacco industry, allowing us to continue to deliver innovative, high-quality vapor products to adult tobacco consumers seeking smoke-free alternatives,” said Debra Crew, R.J. Reynolds’ president and chief commercial officer.

  • Executive changes announced at RAI and its operating companies

    Reynolds American Inc. (RAI) has announced several executive changes at both RAI and its largest subsidiary, R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company. All the changes will be effective Oct. 1.

    Debra Crew, who is currently president and chief commercial officer of R.J. Reynolds, will become president and chief operating officer of the company. She will assume management responsibility for the company’s manufacturing operations and research and development functions, in addition to her ongoing responsibility for the consumer and trade marketing functions.

    Nancy Hawley, who is currently senior vice president of operations at R.J. Reynolds, will be promoted to executive vice president of operations for the company.

    Daniel J. Herko, who is currently senior vice president of research and development for R.J. Reynolds, will be promoted to executive vice president of research and development for the company. Herko will also become an executive vice president of RAI Services Company and will be responsible for managing regulatory oversight for RAI’s subsidiaries.

    When Crew assumes her new responsibilities, Jeffery Gentry, who is currently R.J. Reynolds’ executive vice president of operations and chief scientific officer, will move to a project role overseeing the ongoing integration of Lorillard operations into subsidiaries of RAI. Gentry plans to retire in the first half of 2016.

    Thomas Adams, who served as RAI’s executive vice president and chief financial officer from 2008 to March 2015 and has been overseeing the integration of Lorillard operations, now plans to retire on Oct. 1, when Gentry assumes responsibility for overseeing the integration.

    “Reynolds American places great importance on its talent-development and succession-planning processes,” says Susan Cameron, RAI’s president and CEO. “As a result, we have a talented pool of top-notch executives ready to move into key leadership roles for our companies. Strong people and strong brands are the keys to success in consumer packaged-goods businesses, and Reynolds American and its subsidiaries are fortunate to have both.”