Latest news with #StaceyKennedy
Axios
05-07-2025
- Health
- Axios
How Zyn nicotine pouches became America's new addictive obsession
It's not food, it's not chewing tobacco and it's not gum — though it might look like it when you see it — but it is becoming America's new addictive obsession. Why it matters: Sales of Zyn nicotine pouches are soaring, prompting the tobacco company that makes them to scramble to boost U.S. production to meet demand. The big picture: People are popping nicotine pouches into their mouths at games, at the movies, at the workplace, at home, at the store — it's America's new addictive habit. Celebrity Josh Brolin even admitted to using it while sleeping (which is not recommended). How it works: Zyn pouches are placed between the gum and lip, gradually releasing nicotine over time. The pouches are discreet and don't produce smoke or odors like cigarettes. Threat level: The product is addictive because nicotine is addictive. But it does not cause cancer since it doesn't contain tobacco, whose harmful chemicals are carcinogenic. As a result, advocates say nicotine pouches can serve as a safer alternative to smoking. Philip Morris International U.S. CEO Stacey Kennedy argued that nicotine is "misunderstood" and contains "cognitive benefits." "You have to be able to separate out the misconceptions of what causes harm — and nicotine is probably one of the most misunderstood compounds, because many people believe that nicotine is responsible for smoking-related disease, and it's not," Kennedy said in an interview. Yes, but: Tobacco industry watchdogs say products that contain nicotine, such as pouches and e-cigarettes, can serve as a gateway to smoking, especially for teens. "Tobacco companies have a long history of lying to Congress and the public about the addictiveness of nicotine, so they're not a credible source of information about nicotine," Yolonda C. Richardson, CEO of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, told Axios in an email. "While those who smoke heavily and have been unable to quit may potentially benefit from switching completely to nicotine pouches, there is a concern that they may appeal to adolescents and other new users of nicotine, particularly through the way they are featured in advertisements," according to a synopsis of a Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health study. By the numbers: U.S. shipments of Zyn pouches rose 177% from the first quarter of 2023 to the first quarter of 2025. The company got 42% of its revenue from smoke-free products in Q1 2025 as it pursues its goal of one day ending cigarette sales — a stated objective that critics say is hollow given that smokers continue to deliver substantial revenue. PMI — which sells cigarettes outside of the U.S. but does not sell them here — still gets a majority of its revenue from smokers, but that's likely to flip soon as Zyn sales continue to grow. (PMI split off from Philip Morris USA owner Altria Group in 2008. Their deal called for Altria to sell Marlboro cigarettes in the U.S., while Philip Morris International would sell them in other markets.) State of play: Sales could accelerate further after the FDA, in the final days of the Biden administration, authorized the marketing of 20 Zyn products following an extensive scientific review. Matthew Farrelly, director of the Office of Science in the FDA's Center for Tobacco Products, noted in the FDA's announcement about Zyn's marketing approval that "the data show that these nicotine pouch products" are "benefiting adults who use cigarettes and/or smokeless tobacco products and completely switch to these products." Now the company is adding a $600 million plant in Aurora, Colorado, to boost production. The big question: Will the Trump administration be friendly to nicotine pouches? So far the new leadership at the Department of Health and Human Services and the FDA have said little about their approach to tobacco and nicotine product regulation. An HHS spokesperson recently told Axios that the FDA's "position is centered on reducing the harm caused by nicotine addiction — particularly through combustible tobacco products like cigarettes — while exploring strategies to make less harmful alternatives available to adults who are trying to quit smoking." "Nicotine itself, while addictive, is not the primary cause of smoking-related disease and death. Those are caused by the thousands of harmful chemicals in combustible tobacco," the spokesperson said. The FDA is "working to reduce nicotine levels in cigarettes to minimally addictive or non-addictive levels, aiming to prevent youth initiation and help current smokers quit."
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Invested in America: Philip Morris International Highlights Bold Commitment to America Through New National Ad Campaign
Multichannel Campaign Emphasizes How Manufacturing Renaissance, Job Creation, Public Health, and Community Impact Are at the Heart of PMI's Uncompromising Commitment to Americans STAMFORD, Conn., July 03, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, Philip Morris International's U.S. businesses ("PMI U.S.") unveiled "Invested in America," a bold advertising campaign that brings to life the company's deep-rooted commitment and increased contributions to America and Americans. The campaign's message is grounded in the role PMI U.S. is playing in powering job growth, revitalizing manufacturing, improving public health by offering adults 21+ who smoke better choices, and strengthening communities across the nation. "Philip Morris International is invested in America's future—and we have a proud story to tell," said Stacey Kennedy, CEO of PMI U.S. "From building our advanced manufacturing facilities to contributing to progress within communities nationwide, the people of PMI U.S. are helping to write America's next chapter. Our story is part of the story of America, unfolding from our global headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut, to our operations across America's heartland, where we will continue to create high-quality, high-paying jobs and invest in innovation for generations to come." The ad campaign captures PMI U.S.'s vision of what responsible business leadership looks like in today's America, grounded in the places it calls home. It is rooted in concrete actions that deliver tangible benefits to American workers, communities, and the economy. The campaign will launch on July 3 with full-page print advertisements, and a corresponding digital campaign will follow. Together, the ads will introduce PMI U.S.'s vision to decision-makers and opinion leaders across the business, policy, and civic spheres, inviting them to join a coalition of stakeholders dedicated to the country's success. It will also tell the PMI U.S. story to Americans, who want to see corporations step up to the challenges they see in their lives and communities. "Invested in America" will highlight the four pillars of PMI U.S.'s American commitment: America's Manufacturing Comeback: With announced plans to invest over $800 million in new and expanded U.S. manufacturing facilities to produce smoke-free products, PMI U.S. isn't just growing American manufacturing—it's supporting a renaissance, creating high-skilled, high-paying jobs that contribute to thriving communities. Advancing Public Health: PMI, which has never sold cigarettes in the U.S., is on a mission to help America's ~30 million legal-age adults who smoke replace combustible cigarettes—by far the most harmful way to consume nicotine—with FDA-authorized, smoke-free alternatives that are scientifically substantiated to be a better choice for adults 21+ who would otherwise smoke. Strengthening Communities: PMI U.S.'s approach to corporate citizenship involves strategic investment in communities where its employees and 21+ adult consumers live and work, focusing on sustainable impact rather than short-term interventions. It is committed to causes that matter to Americans, including supporting military veterans and their families, promoting economic empowerment, and responding to natural disasters. Purpose-Driven Performance: With $14+ billion invested globally in smoke-free innovation since 2008, PMI is driving transformative solutions while delivering strong business results. Philip Morris International is headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, and PMI U.S. has multiple operations in Virginia, Colorado, North Carolina, and Kentucky. As it opens and expands facilities, the business is generating hundreds of high-quality jobs and millions of dollars in direct investment in communities around the country. PMI U.S. has also contributed approximately $25 million to charitable causes since 2022. In 2024 alone—the first official year of its philanthropy program—PMI U.S. and its employees contributed more than $10 million to 327 nonprofits in 35 states. "This campaign embodies our innovation and determination to reshape an entire industry and strengthen America," Kennedy added. "It also reflects our commitment to meaningful investments that create genuine value for our business, our workforce, and our communities. In every state where we operate, we're not just doing business—we're creating opportunities that will define the America of tomorrow." Invested in America Philip Morris International Inc.'s U.S. businesses (collectively, "PMI U.S.") are on a mission to improve public health in America by providing the ~30 million legal-age consumers who still smoke traditional cigarettes with better, smoke-free alternatives. PMI U.S. is committed to responsible marketing practices that help prevent access to its products by people under the age of 21. PMI U.S. businesses employ more than 2,500 people across America and operate product manufacturing facilities, including in Owensboro, Kentucky, and Wilson, North Carolina. Since 2022, PMI U.S. has contributed approximately $25 million to charitable causes, amplifying the good work of organizations already active within communities through financial contributions and volunteering. For more information, please visit and Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements This press release contains projections of future results and goals and other forward-looking statements, including statements regarding expected operational performance; capital expenditures; and business plans and strategies. Achievement of future results is subject to risks, uncertainties and inaccurate assumptions. In the event that risks or uncertainties materialize, or underlying assumptions prove inaccurate, actual results could vary materially from those contained in such forward-looking statements. Pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, PMI is identifying important factors that, individually or in the aggregate, could cause actual results and outcomes to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements made by PMI. PMI's business risks include: excise tax increases and discriminatory tax structures; increasing marketing and regulatory restrictions that could reduce our competitiveness, eliminate our ability to communicate with adult consumers, or ban certain of our products in certain markets or countries; health concerns relating to the use of tobacco and other nicotine-containing products and exposure to environmental tobacco smoke; litigation related to tobacco and/or nicotine use and intellectual property; intense competition; the effects of global and individual country economic, regulatory and political developments, natural disasters and conflicts; the impact and consequences of Russia's invasion of Ukraine; changes in adult smoker behavior; the impact of natural disasters and pandemics on PMI's business; lost revenues as a result of counterfeiting, contraband and cross-border purchases; governmental investigations; unfavorable currency exchange rates and currency devaluations, and limitations on the ability to repatriate funds; adverse changes in applicable corporate tax laws; recent and potential future tariffs imposed by the U.S. and other countries; adverse changes in the cost, availability, and quality of tobacco and other agricultural products and raw materials, as well as components and materials for our electronic devices; and the integrity of its information systems and effectiveness of its data privacy policies. PMI's future profitability may also be adversely affected should it be unsuccessful in its attempts to introduce, commercialize, and grow smoke-free products or if regulation or taxation do not differentiate between such products and cigarettes; if it is unable to successfully introduce new products, promote brand equity, enter new markets or improve its margins through increased prices and productivity gains; if it is unable to expand its brand portfolio internally or through acquisitions and the development of strategic business relationships; if it is unable to attract and retain the best global talent, including women or diverse candidates; or if it is unable to successfully integrate and realize the expected benefits from recent transactions and acquisitions. Future results are also subject to the lower predictability of our smoke-free products performance. PMI is further subject to other risks detailed from time to time in its publicly filed documents, including PMI's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2024, and the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025. PMI cautions that the foregoing list of important factors is not a complete discussion of all potential risks and uncertainties. PMI does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement that it may make from time to time, except in the normal course of its public disclosure obligations. References to "PMI" mean the Philip Morris International family of companies. "PMI U.S.," "we," "our," and "us" refer to PMI U.S. businesses. View source version on Contacts Philip Morris InternationalPMI U.S. CommunicationsMatt Sheaff+1 (203)
Associated Press
03-07-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Invested in America: Philip Morris International Highlights Bold Commitment to America Through New National Ad Campaign
STAMFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jul 3, 2025-- Today, Philip Morris International's U.S. businesses ('PMI U.S.') unveiled 'Invested in America,' a bold advertising campaign that brings to life the company's deep-rooted commitment and increased contributions to America and Americans. The campaign's message is grounded in the role PMI U.S. is playing in powering job growth, revitalizing manufacturing, improving public health by offering adults 21+ who smoke better choices, and strengthening communities across the nation. 'Philip Morris International is invested in America's future—and we have a proud story to tell,' said Stacey Kennedy, CEO of PMI U.S. 'From building our advanced manufacturing facilities to contributing to progress within communities nationwide, the people of PMI U.S. are helping to write America's next chapter. Our story is part of the story of America, unfolding from our global headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut, to our operations across America's heartland, where we will continue to create high-quality, high-paying jobs and invest in innovation for generations to come.' The ad campaign captures PMI U.S.'s vision of what responsible business leadership looks like in today's America, grounded in the places it calls home. It is rooted in concrete actions that deliver tangible benefits to American workers, communities, and the economy. The campaign will launch on July 3 with full-page print advertisements, and a corresponding digital campaign will follow. Together, the ads will introduce PMI U.S.'s vision to decision-makers and opinion leaders across the business, policy, and civic spheres, inviting them to join a coalition of stakeholders dedicated to the country's success. It will also tell the PMI U.S. story to Americans, who want to see corporations step up to the challenges they see in their lives and communities. 'Invested in America' will highlight the four pillars of PMI U.S.'s American commitment: Philip Morris International is headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, and PMI U.S. has multiple operations in Virginia, Colorado, North Carolina, and Kentucky. As it opens and expands facilities, the business is generating hundreds of high-quality jobs and millions of dollars in direct investment in communities around the country. PMI U.S. has also contributed approximately $25 million to charitable causes since 2022. In 2024 alone—the first official year of its philanthropy program—PMI U.S. and its employees contributed more than $10 million to 327 nonprofits in 35 states. 'This campaign embodies our innovation and determination to reshape an entire industry and strengthen America,' Kennedy added. 'It also reflects our commitment to meaningful investments that create genuine value for our business, our workforce, and our communities. In every state where we operate, we're not just doing business—we're creating opportunities that will define the America of tomorrow.' Invested in America Philip Morris International Inc.'s U.S. businesses (collectively, 'PMI U.S.') are on a mission to improve public health in America by providing the ~30 million legal-age consumers who still smoke traditional cigarettes with better, smoke-free alternatives. PMI U.S. is committed to responsible marketing practices that help prevent access to its products by people under the age of 21. PMI U.S. businesses employ more than 2,500 people across America and operate product manufacturing facilities, including in Owensboro, Kentucky, and Wilson, North Carolina. Since 2022, PMI U.S. has contributed approximately $25 million to charitable causes, amplifying the good work of organizations already active within communities through financial contributions and volunteering. For more information, please visit and Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements This press release contains projections of future results and goals and other forward-looking statements, including statements regarding expected operational performance; capital expenditures; and business plans and strategies. Achievement of future results is subject to risks, uncertainties and inaccurate assumptions. In the event that risks or uncertainties materialize, or underlying assumptions prove inaccurate, actual results could vary materially from those contained in such forward-looking statements. Pursuant to the 'safe harbor' provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, PMI is identifying important factors that, individually or in the aggregate, could cause actual results and outcomes to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements made by PMI. PMI's business risks include: excise tax increases and discriminatory tax structures; increasing marketing and regulatory restrictions that could reduce our competitiveness, eliminate our ability to communicate with adult consumers, or ban certain of our products in certain markets or countries; health concerns relating to the use of tobacco and other nicotine-containing products and exposure to environmental tobacco smoke; litigation related to tobacco and/or nicotine use and intellectual property; intense competition; the effects of global and individual country economic, regulatory and political developments, natural disasters and conflicts; the impact and consequences of Russia's invasion of Ukraine; changes in adult smoker behavior; the impact of natural disasters and pandemics on PMI's business; lost revenues as a result of counterfeiting, contraband and cross-border purchases; governmental investigations; unfavorable currency exchange rates and currency devaluations, and limitations on the ability to repatriate funds; adverse changes in applicable corporate tax laws; recent and potential future tariffs imposed by the U.S. and other countries; adverse changes in the cost, availability, and quality of tobacco and other agricultural products and raw materials, as well as components and materials for our electronic devices; and the integrity of its information systems and effectiveness of its data privacy policies. PMI's future profitability may also be adversely affected should it be unsuccessful in its attempts to introduce, commercialize, and grow smoke-free products or if regulation or taxation do not differentiate between such products and cigarettes; if it is unable to successfully introduce new products, promote brand equity, enter new markets or improve its margins through increased prices and productivity gains; if it is unable to expand its brand portfolio internally or through acquisitions and the development of strategic business relationships; if it is unable to attract and retain the best global talent, including women or diverse candidates; or if it is unable to successfully integrate and realize the expected benefits from recent transactions and acquisitions. Future results are also subject to the lower predictability of our smoke-free products performance. PMI is further subject to other risks detailed from time to time in its publicly filed documents, including PMI's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2024, and the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025. PMI cautions that the foregoing list of important factors is not a complete discussion of all potential risks and uncertainties. PMI does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement that it may make from time to time, except in the normal course of its public disclosure obligations. References to 'PMI' mean the Philip Morris International family of companies. 'PMI U.S.,' 'we,' 'our,' and 'us' refer to PMI U.S. businesses. View source version on CONTACT: Philip Morris International PMI U.S. Communications Matt Sheaff +1 (203) 524-9146 [email protected] KEYWORD: UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA CONNECTICUT INDUSTRY KEYWORD: ADVERTISING RETAIL COMMUNICATIONS HEALTH TOBACCO GENERAL HEALTH SOURCE: Philip Morris International Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 07/03/2025 06:32 AM/DISC: 07/03/2025 06:32 AM
Business Wire
03-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Invested in America: Philip Morris International Highlights Bold Commitment to America Through New National Ad Campaign
STAMFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, Philip Morris International's U.S. businesses ('PMI U.S.') unveiled 'Invested in America,' a bold advertising campaign that brings to life the company's deep-rooted commitment and increased contributions to America and Americans. The campaign's message is grounded in the role PMI U.S. is playing in powering job growth, revitalizing manufacturing, improving public health by offering adults 21+ who smoke better choices, and strengthening communities across the nation. 'Philip Morris International is invested in America's future—and we have a proud story to tell,' said Stacey Kennedy, CEO of PMI U.S. 'From building our advanced manufacturing facilities to contributing to progress within communities nationwide, the people of PMI U.S. are helping to write America's next chapter. Our story is part of the story of America, unfolding from our global headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut, to our operations across America's heartland, where we will continue to create high-quality, high-paying jobs and invest in innovation for generations to come.' The ad campaign captures PMI U.S.'s vision of what responsible business leadership looks like in today's America, grounded in the places it calls home. It is rooted in concrete actions that deliver tangible benefits to American workers, communities, and the economy. The campaign will launch on July 3 with full-page print advertisements, and a corresponding digital campaign will follow. Together, the ads will introduce PMI U.S.'s vision to decision-makers and opinion leaders across the business, policy, and civic spheres, inviting them to join a coalition of stakeholders dedicated to the country's success. It will also tell the PMI U.S. story to Americans, who want to see corporations step up to the challenges they see in their lives and communities. 'Invested in America' will highlight the four pillars of PMI U.S.'s American commitment: America's Manufacturing Comeback: With announced plans to invest over $800 million in new and expanded U.S. manufacturing facilities to produce smoke-free products, PMI U.S. isn't just growing American manufacturing—it's supporting a renaissance, creating high-skilled, high-paying jobs that contribute to thriving communities. Advancing Public Health: PMI, which has never sold cigarettes in the U.S., is on a mission to help America's ~30 million legal-age adults who smoke replace combustible cigarettes—by far the most harmful way to consume nicotine—with FDA-authorized, smoke-free alternatives that are scientifically substantiated to be a better choice for adults 21+ who would otherwise smoke. Strengthening Communities: PMI U.S.'s approach to corporate citizenship involves strategic investment in communities where its employees and 21+ adult consumers live and work, focusing on sustainable impact rather than short-term interventions. It is committed to causes that matter to Americans, including supporting military veterans and their families, promoting economic empowerment, and responding to natural disasters. Purpose-Driven Performance: With $14+ billion invested globally in smoke-free innovation since 2008, PMI is driving transformative solutions while delivering strong business results. Philip Morris International is headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, and PMI U.S. has multiple operations in Virginia, Colorado, North Carolina, and Kentucky. As it opens and expands facilities, the business is generating hundreds of high-quality jobs and millions of dollars in direct investment in communities around the country. PMI U.S. has also contributed approximately $25 million to charitable causes since 2022. In 2024 alone—the first official year of its philanthropy program—PMI U.S. and its employees contributed more than $10 million to 327 nonprofits in 35 states. 'This campaign embodies our innovation and determination to reshape an entire industry and strengthen America,' Kennedy added. 'It also reflects our commitment to meaningful investments that create genuine value for our business, our workforce, and our communities. In every state where we operate, we're not just doing business—we're creating opportunities that will define the America of tomorrow.' Invested in America Philip Morris International Inc.'s U.S. businesses (collectively, 'PMI U.S.') are on a mission to improve public health in America by providing the ~30 million legal-age consumers who still smoke traditional cigarettes with better, smoke-free alternatives. PMI U.S. is committed to responsible marketing practices that help prevent access to its products by people under the age of 21. PMI U.S. businesses employ more than 2,500 people across America and operate product manufacturing facilities, including in Owensboro, Kentucky, and Wilson, North Carolina. Since 2022, PMI U.S. has contributed approximately $25 million to charitable causes, amplifying the good work of organizations already active within communities through financial contributions and volunteering. For more information, please visit and Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements This press release contains projections of future results and goals and other forward-looking statements, including statements regarding expected operational performance; capital expenditures; and business plans and strategies. Achievement of future results is subject to risks, uncertainties and inaccurate assumptions. In the event that risks or uncertainties materialize, or underlying assumptions prove inaccurate, actual results could vary materially from those contained in such forward-looking statements. Pursuant to the 'safe harbor' provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, PMI is identifying important factors that, individually or in the aggregate, could cause actual results and outcomes to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements made by PMI. PMI's business risks include: excise tax increases and discriminatory tax structures; increasing marketing and regulatory restrictions that could reduce our competitiveness, eliminate our ability to communicate with adult consumers, or ban certain of our products in certain markets or countries; health concerns relating to the use of tobacco and other nicotine-containing products and exposure to environmental tobacco smoke; litigation related to tobacco and/or nicotine use and intellectual property; intense competition; the effects of global and individual country economic, regulatory and political developments, natural disasters and conflicts; the impact and consequences of Russia's invasion of Ukraine; changes in adult smoker behavior; the impact of natural disasters and pandemics on PMI's business; lost revenues as a result of counterfeiting, contraband and cross-border purchases; governmental investigations; unfavorable currency exchange rates and currency devaluations, and limitations on the ability to repatriate funds; adverse changes in applicable corporate tax laws; recent and potential future tariffs imposed by the U.S. and other countries; adverse changes in the cost, availability, and quality of tobacco and other agricultural products and raw materials, as well as components and materials for our electronic devices; and the integrity of its information systems and effectiveness of its data privacy policies. PMI's future profitability may also be adversely affected should it be unsuccessful in its attempts to introduce, commercialize, and grow smoke-free products or if regulation or taxation do not differentiate between such products and cigarettes; if it is unable to successfully introduce new products, promote brand equity, enter new markets or improve its margins through increased prices and productivity gains; if it is unable to expand its brand portfolio internally or through acquisitions and the development of strategic business relationships; if it is unable to attract and retain the best global talent, including women or diverse candidates; or if it is unable to successfully integrate and realize the expected benefits from recent transactions and acquisitions. Future results are also subject to the lower predictability of our smoke-free products performance. PMI is further subject to other risks detailed from time to time in its publicly filed documents, including PMI's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2024, and the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025. PMI cautions that the foregoing list of important factors is not a complete discussion of all potential risks and uncertainties. PMI does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement that it may make from time to time, except in the normal course of its public disclosure obligations. References to 'PMI' mean the Philip Morris International family of companies. 'PMI U.S.,' 'we,' 'our,' and 'us' refer to PMI U.S. businesses.
Associated Press
11-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Americans to Corporate America: Step Up, Get Local, and Lead with Your Values
STAMFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jun 11, 2025-- A groundbreaking new survey, 'Invested in America: Today's High Standards for U.S. Companies,' released today on behalf of Philip Morris International's U.S. businesses ('PMI U.S.'), reveals that the majority of Americans expect corporations to take a leading role in addressing community and societal challenges—favoring local impact. The PMI U.S. Philanthropy 2025 Benchmark Survey, conducted in April among 1,000 U.S. adults aged 21+, offers a portrait of a public that wants companies to go beyond business as usual. Companies are viewed as powerful and potentially better equipped than the government to drive change but only if CEO visibility and philanthropy are authentic and focused on genuine community betterment. The survey found: 'These findings make it clear: The era of pragmatic philanthropy is here,' said Stacey Kennedy, CEO of PMI U.S. 'Americans are hungry for a new, grounded approach to ethical responsibility that's about listening to communities, investing locally, and showing up consistently.' When asked what makes a company a good neighbor, Americans overwhelmingly prioritize practical action over platitudes. Hiring locally and supporting small businesses (26%) and maintaining a consistent, visible presence in communities (23%) topped the list of valued practices. Meanwhile, 86% said the best way for a company to support a community is by offering stable, well-paying jobs. It's clear that Americans have little tolerance for performative-only philanthropy. Respondents ranked 'failing to listen' as the number one mistake companies make in community engagement, followed closely by 'doing it for PR.' They want companies to partner with local leaders, invest in jobs training, and build trust through sustained involvement, not one-off donations. The public holds complex views on business leadership. While 68% think CEOs should take public stands on key issues, a majority (58%) say they prefer not to know a CEO's political leanings. What matters more is visible involvement: CEOs who are active in their communities and empower their employees to give back earn the public's trust and support. Taken as a whole, the survey findings offer current guidance for PMI U.S. and other companies during a complex time for corporate leadership. 'It's clear that a deliberate approach of listening to learn is key,' said J.B. Simko, Chief Civil Society & Underage Prevention Officer at PMI U.S. 'Americans want to see partnerships that strengthen local communities and a shift from grand charity to shared responsibility and active collaboration. Corporate giving and engagement must focus more on tailored support and long-term partnerships that meaningfully address local needs – an approach we strive to take in the communities where we live and work.' As part of its mission to improve public health by offering science-backed, smoke-free products that are better alternatives to continued smoking, PMI U.S. is also committed to being a good neighbor in the communities where its people live and work. The company has invested more than $832 million in new and expanded manufacturing facilities in America that provide well-paying jobs, and its affiliates have contributed more than $25 million in worthy causes since 2022, prioritizing military veterans and their families, economic empowerment, and disaster preparedness and relief. About PMI For more information, please visit and References to 'PMI' mean the Philip Morris International family of companies. 'PMI U.S.,' 'we,' 'our,' and 'us' refer to PMI U.S. businesses. View source version on CONTACT: Philip Morris International PMI U.S. Communications Matt Sheaff +1 (203) 524-9146 [email protected] KEYWORD: UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA CONNECTICUT INDUSTRY KEYWORD: RESEARCH TOBACCO PROFESSIONAL SERVICES PUBLIC POLICY/GOVERNMENT PHILANTHROPY OTHER PHILANTHROPY ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE (ESG) RETAIL OTHER POLICY ISSUES SCIENCE SOURCE: Philip Morris International Inc. Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 06/11/2025 09:30 AM/DISC: 06/11/2025 09:28 AM
