Nat Sherman Gets New Boss

Altria Group Inc., the world’s second-largest tobacco company, has announced a major reorganization. In short, the company divided its business into two units—core tobacco and innovative tobacco—and added the position of chief growth officer.

Nat Sherman, which the company acquired last year, falls under the core offerings alongside brands like Marlboro, Black & Mild, Copenhagen and Skoal. The core business will be run by Jody Begley, svp of tobacco products for Altria, and the company has announced that Dominik Meier will be the new managing director and general manager for Nat Sherman.

Meier replaces Shannon Leistra, who will now be the president and ceo of U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Co., another Altria division.

Michael Herklots, vp of retail and brand development for Nat Sherman, told halfwheel that the new changes would have “no impact” on the company’s cigar division. Herklots will now report to Meier.

Charlie Minato

I am an editor and co-founder of halfwheel.com/Rueda Media, LLC. I previously co-founded and published TheCigarFeed, one of the two predecessors of halfwheel. I handle the editing of our written content, the majority of the technical aspects of the site and work with the rest of our staff on content management, business development and more. I’ve lived in most corners of the country and now entering my second stint in Dallas, Texas. I enjoy boxing, headphones, the Le Mans 24-hour, wearing sweatshirts year-round and gyros. echte liebe.