Philip Morris Limited (PML), the affiliate of Philip Morris International (PMI) in the UK and Ireland, has appointed John Rennie to the role of Director of Commercial Operations.
Joining PML almost 14 years ago, John has since gained a comprehensive understanding of the industry and Philip Morris’ unique role in delivering a smoke-free future by replacing cigarettes with breakthrough alternatives, like IQOS, the UK’s number one heat-not-burn system[i].
Through successive promotions, John’s duties and responsibilities broadened to include areas, such as financial operations and business development. Working predominately for the UK affiliate, John’s career within PMI has seen him navigate heavily regulated environments, while delivering financial goals in the Czech Republic and for the wider EU region.
In 2021, John was appointed the Financial Director at PML and created a solid foundation as the UK market prepared to expand its multi-category portfolio of smoke-free alternatives throughout the country. In his new role as Director of Commercial Operations, John will be working to accelerate PML’s transition to a majority smoke-free business – in line with global ambitions for smoke-free products to account for more than 50 per cent of PMI’s total net revenues by 2025.
Speaking on his appointment, John Rennie said: “This is an exciting time for Philip Morris. In the UK, we are expanding our multi-category portfolio of science-based, smoke-free products to deliver a smoke-free future by giving adult smokers a better choice. PML has already cemented a leadership position in several categories, with IQOS the UK’s number one heat-not-burn system[ii] and further innovation in this category coming soon.
“PMI’s acquisition of Swedish Match, one of the world’s largest suppliers of nicotine pouches, provides oral smokeless alternatives, such as ZYN, that meet vital need states of adult nicotine consumers. And in the e-Vapor segment, big things have happened with the recent launch of VEEBA – our responsible, recyclable[iii], and premium disposable vape.
“I’m looking forward to this chapter in my career with Philip Morris and providing the strategic guidance and operational excellence that takes us to the next level in our journey.”
John takes over from Cengiz Cilengiroglu, who was recently appointed to the position of Vice President, Smoke-free Products Category in the European Region, at PMI.
[i] As of December 2022, IQOS – Philip Morris International’s heated tobacco system – had a value share of the Heat not Burn segment in the UK of 99.42%, meaning IQOS was the UK’s number one product in that category, encompassing all devices and consumables. (Nielsen data)
[ii] Ibid
[iii] Return used VEEBA devices and PML will recycle the recyclable components
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