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Tag: Swisher

  • Helme Tobacco Returns

    Helme Tobacco Returns

    Photo: Burtsc

    Swisher announced a rebrand of its smokeless tobacco portfolio with the return of the historic Helme Tobacco Co.

    The company’s smokeless division previously fell under the Fat Lip Brands umbrella and comprises 24 individual brands, including Kayak moist snuff tobacco, Starr loose leaf chew tobacco and Navy dry snuff.

    The Helme Tobacco Co. name traces its roots back to the 1880s and founder George W. Helme, who established the snuff and chewing tobacco company in Helmetta, New Jersey, USA. By 1925, Helme was reportedly the world’s largest snuff maker. The Helme Tobacco Co. and its products became part of the Swisher family of products and brands in 1986. Swisher later branded its smokeless tobacco portfolio under Fat Lip Brands and now rebrands that portfolio under the Helme name.

    While Swisher’s corporate headquarters is based in Jacksonville, Florida, the Helme Tobacco Co. smokeless division is located in Wheeling, West Virginia.

    “This year is a historic one for Swisher as we celebrate 100 years of continuous operations in Jacksonville, Florida. We believe now is the perfect time to reintroduce this historic and prominent smokeless tobacco name to adult consumers,” said Swisher President and CEO Neil Kiely. “The Helme name is synonymous with high-quality products and reflects the unwavering commitment of the Wheeling, West Virginia team.”

    The following brands will now fall under the Helme Tobacco Co. name:

    Kayak, Creek and Gold River moist snuff tobacco; Starr, Bowie, Chattanooga Chew, Lancaster and Mailpouch chewing tobacco; and Buttercup, Checkerberry, Dixie Sweet, Honey Bee, Lorillard, Navy, Railroad Mills, Ralphs, Society, Square, Starr, Strawberry, Superior, Three Thistle, Tops and Wild Cherry dry snuff.

  • Swisher Pledges $1 Million in Philanthropy

    Swisher Pledges $1 Million in Philanthropy

    Image: Tobacco Reporter archive

    Swisher, a family-owned company headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, USA, pledged $1 million in donations in 2023, reports GlobeNewswire.

    With a refreshed strategy led by Marisa Brighton, Swisher’s senior director of community engagement, the 162-year-old company is placing a renewed emphasis on supporting community causes that tie directly to its core values and shared priorities with employees.

    Swisher’s philanthropic efforts will focus on four key areas, including supporting the nation’s heroes and families, community health and well-being, community revitalization, and higher education through strategic partnerships and programs.

    “Swisher has long been recognized for its dedication to community service and philanthropy in Jacksonville and beyond,” stated Brighton. “We are reigniting our legacy by forging deeper connections and cultivating enduring partnerships that enhance the quality of life for our community.”

    This revitalized focus on community engagement aligns closely with the vision of Swisher President and CEO Neil Kiely.

    “As a family-owned company, we carry a profound sense of responsibility to make meaningful investments in the communities where we live and operate,” said Kiely. “Marisa shares this passion and is already establishing key partnerships with esteemed and trustworthy community service providers.”

    Swisher commits to investing a minimum of $1 million in community causes and philanthropic initiatives throughout 2023, with a primary focus on Jacksonville.

    This investment will be channeled through partnerships with local and national organizations that align with Swisher’s core values and strategic focus areas.

  • Howard to Lead Swisher’s External Affairs/Compliance

    Howard to Lead Swisher’s External Affairs/Compliance

    Photo: Swisher

    Swisher has promoted Chris Howard to executive vice president of external affairs and new product compliance. Howard succeeds Joe Augustus, who recently announced his retirement after more than 33 years with the company.

    Howard previously held the role of senior vice president of general counsel and chief compliance officer at E-Alternative Solutions (EAS), a Swisher company. Over the past six years, he has played a leading role in advancing several EAS and Swisher initiatives and regulatory compliance programs, including for Leap and Rogue tobacco products as well as novel CBD products.

    In his new role on the executive leadership team, Howard will accelerate Swisher’s external affairs strategic objectives and mold a new section providing regulatory approval and compliance support for new product development. 

    “Through his ongoing efforts advocating Swisher and industry interests and advancing major initiatives, Chris has been a key leader and strategist for our company in his six years with us,” said Neil Kiely, president of Swisher.

    “Chris’ deep experience and unique skillset make him the perfect candidate to help us navigate the evolving regulatory environment in our industry—we look forward to the impact he will deliver.”

    Howard has a long history in external and regulatory affairs, having previously served as general counsel for Fontem Ventures, associate general counsel for Lorillard Tobacco Company and several in-house counsel positions with Syngenta.

  • Jacinta Carter to Lead HR at Swisher

    Jacinta Carter to Lead HR at Swisher

    Jacinta Carter (Photo: Swisher)

    Swisher has hired Jacinta Carter as executive vice president, human resources, people and culture effective Jan. 31. In this new role, Carter will lead all aspects of Swisher’s human resources operations, with a priority focus on organizational alignment, building strong pipelines for future hiring needs, promoting inclusion and opportunity in the workplace, and designing and evaluating career paths to meet the company’s business growth goals.

    Carter will have a vital role in shaping the organization and in transforming the culture necessary to achieve Swisher’s long-term vision, and to empower employees in an inclusive culture of growth and opportunity.

    “Jacinta is the right leader to help us continue to build an engaged, inclusive, and high-performing culture, which is vital for our business to thrive in 2022 and beyond,” said Swisher President Neil Kiely in a statement. “Her background and skills align with our guiding principles and business transformation goals. We are excited to have her join our team.”

    Most recently, Carter served as senior vice president, human resources for Atrium Hospitality, where she created a highly sustainable and employee-centric organization and as a key member of the executive leadership team, grew the company from a small start-up into an industry leader. Before Atrium, she was vice president, corporate human resources and corporate communications at Graphic Packaging International, where she was responsible for strategic planning, communications, succession planning and employee learning.

    “Joining Swisher represents a wonderful opportunity to build on what is already a positive, engaging and thriving environment,” said Carter. “I especially appreciate the strong intrapreneurial culture of growth and opportunity at Swisher, and look forward to forging new partnerships and creating opportunities in further developing existing talent and attracting new talent.”