Phillip Morris International growing presence in Alabama

Philip Morris International (PMI), the global leader in smoke-free alternatives to combustible cigarettes, has recently added five new state government affairs professionals to its roster as the company prepares to enter the U.S. commercial market for cigarette alternatives. 

• Amanda Wheeler, previously co-founder and president of the American Vapor Manufacturers Association, joins as regional director of external affairs for the Southwest region. 
• Paul Blair, previously vice president of government affairs for Turning Point Brands, joins as regional director external affairs for the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest regions.
• Abby Jewett, previously regional vice president of external and legislative affairs for AT&T in New England, joins as regional director external affairs for the Northeast region.
• Jake Jacobs, previously director of government relations for Aventiv Technologies, joins as regional director external affairs for the Southeast region.
• Chris Newbry, previously vice president of government affairs for the Cigar Association of America, Inc., joins as regional director external affairs for the Western region.

All five will report to Washington, D.C.-based Kristin Reif, head of PMI’s state government affairs office.

The hires come as the company accelerates its entry into the U.S. market for cigarette alternatives. The company is on course to generate 50 percent of its net revenue from smoke-free products by 2025, as it works towards completely exiting cigarette sales.

PMI has never sold combustible cigarettes, or other tobacco products, in the United States. Its business has been exclusively outside of the U.S. and China.