April 3, 2023
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.
Rennie 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.
Joining PML almost 14 years ago, successive promotions have seen his duties and responsibilities broadening to include areas, such as financial operations and business development. Working predominately for the UK affiliate, Rennie’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, he 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, he 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.
“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 and further innovation in this category coming soon,” Rennie said.
“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[i], 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.”