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.



Disclaimer

This article is provided solely for professional research, industry discussion, and informational purposes. Any references to brands, companies, products, technologies, or policies are made for factual reporting and analytical purposes only, and do not constitute endorsement, recommendation, promotion, or advertising by 2Firsts.

Nicotine-containing products, including but not limited to cigarettes, e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches, carry significant health risks. Readers are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions, including age restrictions and access limitations.

The information contained in this article should not be regarded as investment, legal, medical, regulatory, or commercial advice. While 2Firsts strives to ensure the accuracy and reliability of its content, it does not assume liability for any direct or indirect loss arising from errors, omissions, inaccuracies, or reliance on the information contained herein.

This article is not intended for individuals below the legal age for accessing tobacco or nicotine-related information in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright Notice

This article is either original content produced by 2Firsts or content reproduced, translated, summarized, or adapted from third-party sources with attribution where applicable. The intellectual property rights of the original content remain with 2Firsts or the respective original rights holders.

No individual or organization may copy, reproduce, distribute, republish, modify, translate, or otherwise use this content without prior authorization. Any unauthorized use may result in legal action.

For copyright-related inquiries, corrections, or removal requests, please contact: info@2firsts.com.

 

AI-Assisted Translation and Editing Notice

Portions of this article may have been translated, edited, or reviewed with the assistance of artificial intelligence tools to improve efficiency and readability. Due to the limitations of AI-assisted translation and editing, discrepancies, omissions, or inaccuracies may exist when compared with the original source.

Where applicable, readers are advised to refer to the original source for the most complete and accurate information. If you identify any errors or believe that any content infringes upon your rights, please contact us at info@2firsts.com, and we will review and address the matter promptly.

Pennsylvania Vape Directory Law Survives Court Challenge From Nova Distro and Others Amid Similar Rulings Across States
Pennsylvania Vape Directory Law Survives Court Challenge From Nova Distro and Others Amid Similar Rulings Across States
A U.S. federal court upheld Pennsylvania's vape directory law on October 14, rejecting a challenge brought by Nova Distro, 101 Distributors and companies operating Tobacco Hut retail stores. Court records show that vaping accounts for about 60% of Tobacco Hut's profits and that the chain held approximately $2 million in inventory potentially subject to seizure under the law as of June 2. Pennsylvania began enforcement on October 19. The ruling follows similar appellate decisions in other states, even as new research shows that unlisted vaping products continue to account for substantial sales in states with established directories.
Regulations
Oct.22
California Lawmakers Pass Disposable Nicotine Vape Ban, With Sales Prohibition Set for 2028
California Lawmakers Pass Disposable Nicotine Vape Ban, With Sales Prohibition Set for 2028
According to CBS Los Angeles on August 27, 2026, California lawmakers have passed Assembly Bill 762, which would phase out disposable, battery-embedded nicotine vapes in the state. If signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, manufacturing and importation of the covered products would be prohibited beginning January 1, 2027, followed by a sales ban on January 1, 2028. Driven primarily by concerns over electronic waste, lithium-battery fires and environmental pollution, the legislation would further shift California’s legal vape market toward rechargeable, refillable or replaceable-pod devices.
Aug.28
NAS 2026 | Cliff Douglas: Risk Continuum Should Play a Central Role in Tobacco Policy
NAS 2026 | Cliff Douglas: Risk Continuum Should Play a Central Role in Tobacco Policy
Cliff Douglas, a veteran U.S. tobacco-control and public health policy figure, told NAS 2026 that the “continuum of risk” should play a central role in tobacco policy. He called for clearer market pathways, stronger risk communication, differentiated regulation and enforcement, and said possible FDA reforms to PMTA reviews could be a “welcome correction” if they create a more efficient, predictable route for scientifically substantiated lower-risk products. Read 2Firsts’ on-site coverage.
Sep.26
JAMA Study: U.S. Vape Directories Fail to Sustainably Curb Unlisted Sales as Product Shifts May Redistribute Brand Share 2Firsts Recommended
JAMA Study: U.S. Vape Directories Fail to Sustainably Curb Unlisted Sales as Product Shifts May Redistribute Brand Share 2Firsts Recommended
A study by CDC Foundation researchers found no sustained decline in e-cigarette sales across Alabama, Oklahoma and Louisiana, the first three U.S. states to implement e-cigarette directory laws. Louisiana initially saw a significant sales decline, followed by a rebound and a persistent reduction in product availability. Sales also shifted from nontobacco-flavored disposables toward prefilled cartridges, with Vuse Alto driving much of the increase in menthol cartridges. By April 2025, unlisted products still accounted for more than half of e-cigarette nicotine sales in all three states.
Sep.18
2Firsts On-Site | CTIHK Showcases Nicotine Pouches, Heated Tobacco and Chinese Cigars at InterTabac 2026
2Firsts On-Site | CTIHK Showcases Nicotine Pouches, Heated Tobacco and Chinese Cigars at InterTabac 2026
At InterTabac 2026 in Dortmund, China Tobacco International (HK) Company Limited (CTIHK) is exhibiting across two separate booths in Hall 5 and Hall 4. Products observed by 2Firsts include heated tobacco products, nicotine pouches, Chinese cigars and tobacco leaf. Nicotine pouch products on display include TOOP, Shuangxi and Ashima.
Market
Sep.16
Pennsylvania Vape Directory Enforcement Starts Oct. 19, Barring Retail Sales of Unlisted Products
Pennsylvania Vape Directory Enforcement Starts Oct. 19, Barring Retail Sales of Unlisted Products
Pennsylvania's Act 57 vape directory regime will reach the end of its 120-day inventory transition period on Oct. 19. Nicotine-containing e-cigarettes intended for retail sale in the state that are not listed on the Attorney General's ENDS directory will then be barred from retail sale and treated as contraband subject to seizure, forfeiture and destruction. Manufacturers face annual product certification, brand- and style-based fees and a minimum $50,000 surety bond, while retailers and wholesalers must source through licensed channels and monitor the directory.
Regulations
Oct.08