PMI appoints Matthew Holman as Vice President of Regulatory Strategy

Sep.20.2022
PMI appoints Matthew Holman as Vice President of Regulatory Strategy
Matthew Holman leaves FDA role to become PMI's US Science Engagement and Regulatory Strategy VP as the company seeks to promote safer nicotine alternatives.

Matthew Holman has left his position at the FDA to become the Vice President of Scientific Engagement and Regulatory Strategy for PMI in the United States.


Of course, considering the tobacco companies are currently facing strict regulations and public scrutiny, these appointments are crucial. Badrul Chowdhury, who has worked at the FDA for over 20 years, has accepted the position of Chief Life Sciences Officer, while Matthew Holman has been appointed as Vice President of Science Engagement and Regulatory Strategy for the tobacco company in the United States.


In recent years, Philip Morris International (PMI) has been making efforts to improve its image and reputation by turning towards the sale of safer nicotine alternatives. Former CEO Andre Catantzopoulos believed that a smokeless future is possible and that achieving a consensus with the government and society is necessary through proper supervision and regulation. He stated that alternative nicotine products can be a part of effective tobacco policy. "Thanks to rapid progress in science and technology, and PMI's firm commitment, these products have now become a reality," he said.


Although current CEO of PMI, Jacek Olczak, has stated that the tobacco company intends to achieve its goal of 50% smoke-free product sales by 2025, he also claims the company is fully capable of replacing cigarettes with safer alternatives. "We have a leading portfolio of traditional and smoke-free tobacco products, an excellent management team, and an agile, efficient, and quick-learning organization. We are fully capable of continuing to succeed in our vision of replacing cigarettes with better alternatives for the benefit of consumers, shareholders, and society," he stated earlier this year, quoted by The Edge.


PMI is working hard to change its image.


Last year, PMI received criticism from the British Asthma Association and British Lung Foundation for their collaboration with asthma inhaler manufacturer Vectura. This move appeared hypocritical, as the investment was in a product that could help treat tobacco-related diseases.


Meanwhile, Altria has recently reiterated its plan to enter the healthcare field, stating that this is a natural evolution for tobacco companies. "This is a natural evolution for PMI to further transform our business into a more holistic lifestyle, consumer health, and healthcare company in the future. This evolution is not only fulfilling our continued commitment to a smoke-free future but also fulfilling the development and commercialization of scientifically validated products and solutions to meet unmet consumer and patient needs.


The market for health and wellness products is vast and constantly expanding. We have several key areas of focus in our pipeline. For consumers and over-the-counter healthcare products, we have several initiatives focused on concentration, sleep, energy, pain relief, and calmness. In the healthcare field, we believe that patients' demand for fast and effective treatments for cardiovascular diseases such as myocardial infarction and neurological conditions such as migraines has yet to be met, and innovative solutions can meet these needs. We recently accelerated this part of our strategy through the acquisition of Vectura, an innovative inhalation delivery solution provider, and Fertin, a leading developer and manufacturer of innovative drugs and healthcare products based on oral and intraoral delivery systems," said Alzack.


Statement:


This article is compiled from third-party information and is intended solely for industry exchange and learning purposes.


This article does not represent the views of 2FIRSTS, and 2FIRSTS cannot confirm the authenticity or accuracy of the article's content. The compilation of this article is solely for communication and research within the industry.


Due to limitations in translation abilities, the translated article may not fully express the original text, so please refer to the original text for accuracy.


2FIRSTS maintains complete alignment with the Chinese government in regards to any statements or positions relating to domestic issues, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and foreign affairs.


The copyright of the compiled information belongs to the original media and author. If there is any infringement, please contact us for removal.


This document has been generated through artificial intelligence translation and is provided solely for the purposes of industry discourse and learning. Please note that the intellectual property rights of the content belong to the original media source or author. Owing to certain limitations in the translation process, there may be discrepancies between the translated text and the original content. We recommend referring to the original source for complete accuracy. In case of any inaccuracies, we invite you to reach out to us with corrections. If you believe any content has infringed upon your rights, please contact us immediately for its removal.

2Firsts Interview with Glas |Why a California ENDS Company Believes Its Age-gated Flavored Vape Could Be Next in Line for FDA Authorization
2Firsts Interview with Glas |Why a California ENDS Company Believes Its Age-gated Flavored Vape Could Be Next in Line for FDA Authorization
As the FDA advances efforts to streamline its PMTA review process, including support for small businesses, expectations are rising that additional product authorizations may follow. Age-verification technology is emerging as a key consideration in future approvals.In this interview, California-based Glas discusses its G2 platform, integrating smartphone-based identity verification, proximity controls and anti-counterfeit systems, and outlines its positioning under the FDA’s PMTA framework.
Mar.02
PMI Flags 2026 Headwinds from Japan Taxes, Sees Smoke-Free Growth Re-Accelerating Beyond in Earnings Call
PMI Flags 2026 Headwinds from Japan Taxes, Sees Smoke-Free Growth Re-Accelerating Beyond in Earnings Call
PMI said on its latest earnings call that Japan’s tax cycle will weigh on 2026 performance, while smoke-free growth is expected to re-accelerate thereafter. The discussion also covered U.S. regulation, ZYN strategy and AI-driven efficiency.
Feb.07
Special Report | 71 U.S. Lawmakers Seek to Elevate Illicit Vape Crackdown to U.S.–China Trade Negotiations
Special Report | 71 U.S. Lawmakers Seek to Elevate Illicit Vape Crackdown to U.S.–China Trade Negotiations
U.S. Rep.Mike Carey and 70 other Republican lawmakers have urged federal officials to elevate the crackdown on illicit vapes to the U.S.–China trade agenda. In a March 4 letter to the Treasury Secretary and the U.S. Trade Representative, they warned that unauthorized vape products pose risks related to national security, youth protection and organized crime. The signatories represent about one-third of House Republicans, highlighting growing congressional attention to illicit vape trade.
Mar.10
South Korea Postal Service Launches Heated Tobacco Device Recycling Program Through Nationwide Post Offices and Mailboxes
South Korea Postal Service Launches Heated Tobacco Device Recycling Program Through Nationwide Post Offices and Mailboxes
Korean postal system launches nationwide heated tobacco device recycling through post offices and mailboxes, aiming to increase recycling rates.
Feb.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai
UK reminds vaping firms to apply for new excise duty registration from April 2026
UK reminds vaping firms to apply for new excise duty registration from April 2026
HMRC has issued a reminder urging vaping manufacturers, importers and warehouse operators to prepare for registration under the UK’s new Vaping Products Duty, with applications opening in April 2026 and the duty taking effect in October.
Feb.10
Thailand’s Bangkok Police Bust Two Warehouses, Seize Over 100,000 Heated-Tobacco Items Worth $960,000
Thailand’s Bangkok Police Bust Two Warehouses, Seize Over 100,000 Heated-Tobacco Items Worth $960,000
Bangkok police said they raided two warehouse locations linked to an online distribution network for illicit vaping/heated-tobacco products, seizing IQOS ILUMA i devices and large quantities of TEREA sticks worth more than 30 million baht (about US$960,000). Three suspects described as administrators and caretakers were arrested, while investigators probe suspected smuggling routes and unpaid excise liabilities.
Feb.02 by 2FIRSTS.ai