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.