NATO Names David Spross New Executive Director

The National Association of Tobacco Outlets (NATO) has a new executive director, David Spross, who joins the organization after 23 years in the tobacco industry, including most recently serving as the senior vice president of government relations and strategic engagement for Reynolds American.

“NATO is the leading voice for retailers of tobacco and nicotine products, and I am thrilled with the opportunity to lead this organization into the next generation of education, engagement and advocacy,” Spross said. “As our industry continues to evolve, I look forward to keeping retailers front and center on these important developments.”

Spross will assume his new role on Sept. 1, replacing Thomas Briant, who announced in May that he would be retiring after 23 years, including being part of the founding of the organization.

“We are excited for this next chapter at NATO under David’s leadership, and we remain incredibly grateful to Tom Briant for founding NATO 23 years ago and for his leadership growing the Association to be the premier advocacy organization for tobacco retailers,” said NATO board president Chris Beaulier via a press release.

NATO currently has approximately 66,000 retail members, with the organization’s focus on supporting the legislative and regulatory interests of its members and encouraging the expansion of the retail tobacco and nicotine market in a responsible matter.