Philip Morris International (PMI) has appointed Lynn Kleinsmith as its new Human Resources Director in South Africa. The appointment underpins the organisation’s transformation to deliver a smoke-free future.
“The name “Philip Morris International” or “PMI” probably conjures terms like “tobacco company” and “cigarette manufacturer”. But today we are much more than that. In fact, we are transforming our company and staking our future on replacing cigarettes with smoke-free alternatives,” says PMSA Managing Director, Branislav Bibic. “With more than a billion smokers in the world today, the magnitude of this undertaking is enormous, and our people are central to realising this vision.”
Commenting on her appointment as HR Director, Lynn Kleinsmith says that she is excited about the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in joining a Global Top Employer like PMI. “I am inspired to join an organisation and leadership team that is committed to providing people who smoke with better, scientifically-substantiated alternatives to cigarettes – who wouldn’t be? The success of our vision relies on our people and, to a large degree, on how the company organises itself and engages with employees along the transformation journey,”
For five years PMI has been recognised as a Global Top Employer and in South Africa PMSA has been awarded this accolade for four consecutive years.
She continues: “The Top Employers Institute affirms the company’s consistency and excellence in offering an enriching and dynamic work environment with exceptional development opportunities for its employees worldwide. Our pivot to creating a smoke-free future has spurred the energy and passion of our workforce to deliver change for adult smokers, who would otherwise continue smoking, and for society.”
PMI employs more than 80,000 staff worldwide in 90 countries. “The company offers robust development programmes and international career opportunities coupled with strong reward and recognition,” she says.
Before joining PMSA earlier this month, Kleinsmith served as HR Director for Red Bull for over four years. She was responsible for leading and managing the country’s HR team within the Red Bull South Africa business by providing professional, strategic and tactical services aligned to the company’s global strategies. Prior to this she was HR Director at the Adidas Group and HR Regional Manager at Dimension Data Group.
