Philip Morris Limited appoints new corporate affairs chief

Philip Morris Limited (PML), the affiliate of Philip Morris International (PMI) in the UK and Ireland, has announced the appointment of Claire Jolly as Senior Director of Corporate Affairs.

This role encompasses government and regulatory affairs, communications, scientific engagement and illicit trade prevention. As the business continues to expand its multi-category portfolio of smoke-free products in an ever-changing market, Claire’s leadership, expertise and insight will navigate PML through a new regulatory landscape, shaped by the Tobacco and Vapes Act in the UK and the upcoming Irish Presidency of the European Union.

Claire joins PML from Beaufort Strategy, a boutique advisory firm. Previously, she was Director of European Government Affairs at Elliott, a global multi-strategy hedge fund, where she worked for more than 16 years. During that time, Claire advised on many high-profile international investments across numerous sectors. She has also held industry-wide leadership roles at two global trade associations, the Alternative Investment Management Association and the Managed Funds Association. Prior roles in politics include work in the UK Parliament and on Capitol Hill, for a high-ranking US Senator.

Claire Jolly, Senior Director, Corporate Affairs said: “We have a once in a generation opportunity to accelerate the shift away from cigarettes, and clamp down on illicit trade and underage sales, while continuing to support millions of adult smokers to switch to better alternatives. I am delighted to be joining a Fortune 500 company that has invested in the research, science, technology and innovation needed to realise this vision and a talented global team determined to deliver on our shared ambitions.”

Peter Nixon, Managing Director at PML, said: “As we embark on a new regulatory environment, Claire’s skills, knowledge and energy are vital to ensuring we can continue to advocate for policies that are workable for adults who use nicotine products. We have a real chance to shift consumers away from cigarettes once and for all, and I am so pleased that we have Claire on board as part of the leadership team helping to deliver this vision.”