Philip Morris International Inc said on Wednesday it had appointed two former US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officials to key positions at a time when tobacco companies have come under intense regulatory and public scrutiny.
The maker of Marlboro cigarettes said Badrul Chowdhury, who spent more than two decades at the FDA, has been named as chief life sciences officer, joining from a US - based biotech firm.
Chowdhury's LinkedIn page shows he is the chief medical officer at Savara, a company focused on rare respiratory diseases.
“Joining the PMI team is an exciting new adventure,” said Chowdhury.
“The investment the company has already made in delivering high-quality science to support its transformation and smoke-free vision is unprecedented. I am thrilled to have the chance to help move the company forward faster and to truly seize the public health opportunity that well-regulated smoke-free products present. I look forward to working with the Senior Management Team and the entire Life Sciences function to accelerate progress.”
Vice President Of US Scientific Engagement
Philip Morris said Matthew Holman has been named as the vice president of US scientific engagement and regulatory strategy, joining from the FDA, where he helped guide policy decisions and oversee a regulatory science research program for tobacco products.
“Having spent more than two decades working to improve public health as a regulator, I am delighted to join forces with PMI, a company that is firmly committed to the goal of accelerating the end of smoking,” said Holman.
“PMI is leading the industry in a major transformation that can ultimately provide an unprecedented breakthrough for public health. I’m excited to make this move and join PMI on its smoke-free journey.”
The appointments follow the addition of another former FDA official, Keagan Lenihan, to a senior role earlier this year.
News by Reuters, additional reporting and edited by Donna Ahern, Checkout. For more a-brand news, click here. Click subscribe to sign up for the Checkout print edition.
