TobaccoReporter logo

Tag: reynolds american

  • Trump Administration Looking to Change PMTA Process

    Trump Administration Looking to Change PMTA Process

    The Trump administration is reportedly preparing changes to the FDA’s review process for new tobacco products that could make it faster and easier for products such as flavored vapes and nicotine pouches to receive marketing authorization, according to The Wall Street Journal. The FDA is expected to revisit requirements established in 2021 for Premarket Tobacco Product Applications (PMTAs), following years of industry criticism over lengthy reviews.

    Reuters reported it could not independently verify the report, but quoted an HHS spokesperson as saying, “The Trump administration is committed to keeping nicotine out of the hands of kids, getting ⁠counterfeit vaping products off the streets and providing safer alternatives for adults who want to quit smoking cigarettes.”

    Industry groups and companies welcomed the potential changes. Laura Leigh Oyler, vice president of regulatory affairs at Haypp Group USA, said the FDA has not met congressional review deadlines for noncombustible products and has authorized fewer than 100 reduced-risk products compared with thousands of combustible products. “An overhaul isn’t just welcome, it’s necessary,” Oyler said, adding that the current process has contributed to the influx of foreign, illicit products.

    Charlie’s Holdings also supported the reported changes, saying it has been seeking FDA authorization for certain tobacco-derived nicotine e-liquids since 2020 and hundreds of synthetic nicotine products since 2022. CEO Henry Sicignano said the PMTA process has imposed high costs on smaller U.S. businesses while illicit products have entered the market. Charlie’s said it currently retains 678 timely filed PMTA assets and expects a streamlined authorization process to increase the value of its portfolio.

  • Wyden Seeks Records Over Donations and Policy Changes

    Wyden Seeks Records Over Donations and Policy Changes

    Sen. Ron Wyden, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee, launched an investigation seeking documents related to what he alleges are potential links between political donations from the tobacco and kratom industries and subsequent Trump administration policy decisions, according to the International Business Times. In letters sent to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Reynolds American, and other parties, Wyden requested records concerning regulatory actions affecting flavored e-cigarettes and kratom products.

    According to Wyden’s letters, Reynolds American donated $5 million to the pro-Trump political action committee MAGA Inc. in April, followed by a meeting between a company executive and President Donald Trump. Wyden alleges the timing raises questions about whether later policy changes, including actions affecting flavored vaping products, were influenced by industry interests. The letters also raise concerns about Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin’s reported financial interest in kratom company Botanic Tonics while advocating policies related to the sector. Wyden requested responses by Aug. 31.

    The letters contain allegations only, and no evidence of wrongdoing has been established. Reynolds American, Botanic Tonics, and the Department of Health and Human Services have disputed or declined to comment on the allegations.

  • Reynolds Pledges $3.2B to U.S. Manufacturing by 2030

    Reynolds Pledges $3.2B to U.S. Manufacturing by 2030

    Today (March 5), Reynolds American announced the launch of its “Growing Tomorrow” campaign, a commitment to invest more than $3.2 billion in its U.S. operations by 2030 in order to strengthen American manufacturing, support jobs, and expand its multicategory nicotine portfolio. The investment program, which began in 2024, is expected to support more than 2,000 direct and indirect jobs across the company’s operations and supply network. President and CEO David Waterfield said the campaign reflects continued investment in U.S. manufacturing and workforce development as the company positions itself for long-term growth.

    The funding will support Reynolds American’s ongoing transition toward a predominantly smokeless portfolio, including modernization and expansion of manufacturing facilities, increased innovation and production capacity, and stronger domestic supply chains. The company said more than $200 million has already been invested in U.S. manufacturing over the past two years as part of the broader commitment.

    The company currently employs more than 4,300 people in the United States across manufacturing, science, engineering, and corporate roles. Chief People Officer Borgia Walker said the organization is focused on expanding career opportunities and workforce capabilities as it continues to grow. Reynolds American said its supply chain also supports agriculture and local economies nationwide. In 2025, the company was the largest purchaser of U.S. tobacco leaf, reinforcing the role of farmers, particularly in North Carolina, within its domestic supply network.

  • 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.