JACKSONVILLE, Fla. —Swisher has promoted Chris Howard to executive vice president of external affairs and new product compliance. Howard succeeds Joe Augustus, who retired after more than 33 years with the company.
Howard previously worked with Swisher’s sister company, E-Alternative Solutions (EAS), which sells products like CBD-infused juice drinks, vapor, tincture drops and lotions from Forth CBD and Leap and Leap Go vapor products. There he was the senior vice president, general counsel and chief compliance officer, and over the past six years he played a leading role in advancing several EAS and Swisher initiatives, the company said, including for Leap vapor and Rogue nicotine pouches.
In his new role, Howard will accelerate Swisher’s external affairs strategic objectives and mold a new section providing regulatory approval and compliance support for new product development, Swisher said.
“Through his ongoing efforts advocating Swisher and industry interests and advancing major initiatives, Chris has been a key leader and strategist for our company in his six years with us,” said Neil Kiely, president of Swisher. “Chris’ deep experience and unique skillset make him the perfect candidate to help us navigate the evolving regulatory environment in our industry—we look forward to the impact he will deliver.”
Howard has previously worked as general counsel for Fontem Ventures, which sells blu vapor products; associate general counsel for Lorillard Tobacco Co.; and several in-house counsel positions with Syngenta.
Swisher, Jacksonville, Fla., sells tobacco and alternative products under several divisions including Swisher Sweets Cigar Co., Fat Lip Brands, Drew Estate, Hempire and Rogue.
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