Philip Morris Korea has appointed an internal marketing and strategy executive to lead its push for a “smoke-free future,” naming Lee Hong-seok, head of its smoke-free products business, as its next chief executive.
The company said Tuesday that Lee, currently director in charge of smoke-free products, will become CEO effective May 1.
Lee joined Philip Morris Korea in 1999 and has spent more than 25 years across key roles, the company said, earning recognition for results in domestic commercial operations and marketing.
The company also cited his overseas leadership. Lee worked in Singapore and Hong Kong before becoming head of Philip Morris’ Taiwan unit in 2018, where he led efforts to develop business models and drive organizational changes amid a rapidly shifting market.
After returning to Korea in 2021, he led commercial operations and later oversaw smoke-free products. Philip Morris Korea said he expanded its lineup of smoke-free products, including heated tobacco, and strengthened customer satisfaction, supporting qualitative growth in its local business.
Lee said he will deepen cooperation with the government, public health experts and other stakeholders so that efforts to shift to smoke-free products can contribute to Korea’s broader public health goals. He also pledged to play a constructive role in Korean society through “open and scientific dialogue” and continued innovation.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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