An innovator and true visionary, our former CEO André Calantzopoulos led the reinvention of PMI in pursuit of a world without cigarettes.
In 2016, he made one of the boldest public announcements in corporate history by sharing his vision of a smoke-free future.
Fast-forward to the end of March 2021, and our smoke-free products—currently available in 66 markets—now account for 28 percent of our total net revenues.
We estimate that approximately 14 million adults have switched to our leading smoke-free product and stopped smoking.
With such progress, André’s vision is rapidly becoming a reality.
Putting consumers first
To enable our journey toward a smoke-free future, André’s leadership has helped transform PMI into a science- and technology-led consumer-centric company. He also ensured that our corporate purpose—with public health, sustainability, and a better future for all at the heart of our business model—reflected this seismic change.
André has led calls by PMI for regulators, politicians, and civil society to put science and facts at the center of the smoking debate, at all times leading the mission to ensure adult smokers have access to scientifically substantiated better alternatives, and accurate information about them.
With scientific rigor guiding the development of our smoke-free products, André led PMI to a historic milestone in July 2020 when our flagship electronically heated tobacco system was authorized as a modified risk tobacco product by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) through exposure modification orders. It is the first and only electronic nicotine product to receive such authorization from the agency.
Doing what was right—again and again
On top of his work transforming the products we deliver, André’s leadership culture has fostered an inclusive and diverse workplace, providing an environment for all employees to thrive. He recognized that attracting and retaining a diverse community of innovators who can help deliver our smoke-free vision was integral to the company’s progress.
He backed this up by creating the role of Chief Diversity Officer, and recently signed up to The Valuable 500—which commits PMI to furthering workplace disability inclusion.
In 2019, we became the first company to earn global EQUAL-SALARY certification, guaranteeing equal pay for equal work for men and women. And earlier this year, we were certified as a Global Top Employer for the fifth year in a row.
Around the world, André has ensured our business remains committed to prioritizing the fight against illicit trade and championing human rights issues. His leadership has made PMI an annual fixture on the CDP’s Climate A-List, and a leader in forest conservation, water stewardship, and waste reduction.
Fueling the vision of our new leaders
PMI’s new CEO, Jacek Olczak, is committed to building on the progress made by André—who continues with the company as the Executive Chair of the Board.
With the right regulatory frameworks and support from civil society, the Board has stated its hope that André’s vision of a smoke-free future can be realized within 10 to 15 years in many countries.
Paying tribute to André, and his predecessor, Louis Camilleri, Jacek said: “The possibility that we could see an end to cigarettes in our lifetimes did not spring to life on its own. For this, we owe thanks to André for his clear vision and to our former CEO and chairman, Louis Camilleri.
“We have these visionaries to thank for the company’s investment in science, technology, and research—investment that is allowing us to realize our smoke-free aspirations. Without their courage and commitment to embracing a radically new business model, we would not be where we are today.”
Thank you, André, for your unrelenting determination to seize this major public health opportunity.
You’ve transformed PMI. You’ve made history. You’ve delivered innovation for the benefit of millions of adult smokers across the world. And we’re honored you’ll be joining us on our onward journey toward a smoke-free future.
