Philip Morris Limited (PML), the affiliate of Philip Morris International (PMI) in the UK & Ireland, has appointed John Rennie to the role of Director of Commercial Operations.
He joined PML almost 14 years ago, and through successive promotions, his duties and responsibilities broadened to include areas such as financial operations and business development.
In 2021, Rennie was appointed the Financial Director at PML as the UK unit prepared to expand its multi-category portfolio of smoke-free alternatives. In his new role as Director of Commercial Operations, he will be tasked with accelerating PML’s transition to a majority smoke-free business – in line with PMI’s global ambition for smoke-free products to account for more than 50% of its total revenues by 2025.
Commenting on his appointment, 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 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, 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.”
Rennie is taking over the role from Cengiz Cilengiroglu, who was recently appointed to the position of Vice President, Smoke-free Products Category in the European Region at PMI.
