Articles

The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) is an organisation representing 33,500 local shops in the United Kingdom (UK). In their own words: “ACS’ core purpose is to lobby Government on the issues that make a difference to local shops. We represent the interests of retailers on a range of issues, including business rates, energy, regulation, planning, alcohol and…

Aspect Consulting is a Brussels and UK-based public relations company, specialising in “creating dialogue, changing views and influencing behaviour”.22 Relationship with the Tobacco Industry Aspect represents Fontem Ventures, a company specialising in vapour products, and subsidiary of tobacco company Imperial Tobacco (also known as Imperial Brands). The company has worked for Fontem since 2014 when the…

Ashok Kaul is a Professor of Economics at Saarland University, Germany.29 Kaul is also the research director of the German Institute for Policy Evaluation (IPE).29 The IPE “provides services for companies and organizations that strive for a better understanding of how political decisions impact the areas in which they are active.”30 Philip Morris International – Commissioned Expert…

In the public health and tobacco control debates, the tobacco industry tends to use a recurring set of arguments. The same issues and the same language keep coming up in discussions on key topics such as Plain Packaging, Price and Tax and Smuggling. Tobacco companies aim to shift the debate away from health issues – such…

Background The Anti-Counterfeiting Group (ACG) is a trade association which describes itself as “an international voice of business, shaping an effective response to one of the world’s most insidious and menacing transnational crimes”. Their website states that it “works relentlessly with UK, EU and international Governments and law enforcement agencies to shape an effective deterrent to counterfeiting”.52 Founded…

Anthony (Tony) Ruys was a non-executive director of British American Tobacco (BAT) from 2006 until he retired from the Board in April 2014.6667 Relationship with Alcohol and Food Industries Ruys has worked in the food and alcohol industries:68 Prior to becoming a board member at BAT, between 2002 and 2005, Ruys was Chief Executive Officer…

There are numerous examples of anonymous pro-smoking “trolls” who spread misinformation on the smoking debate and denigrate leading public health advocates. One such example is “mummybest”. Mummybest Denies Smoking Causes Cancer In comments posted to the Guardian newspaper, Mummybest posted: Here’s a question. Has anyone ever sued a tobacco retailer, from whom they bought their cigarettes for decades, for causing…

Ann Godbehere was a non-executive director of British American Tobacco from October 2011 to April 2018.76[REF] Ethics Board International Board Watch, Godbehere joins BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO PLC’s Board, accessed October 2011[/REF]77 Background Godbehere has a background in the financial services industry. From 2008 to 2009, she was the Chief Financial Officer of Northern Rock, and…

Background André Calantzopoulos was appointed Executive Chairman of the Board of Philip Morris International in May 2021.78 He had previously been Chief Executive Officer (CEO) since May 2013, taking over from Louis C. Camilleri.79. He was successed as CEO by Jacek Olczak. Calantzopoulos joined the company in 1985, becoming Chief Operating Officer for PMI when…

Dr. Andrew Lilico is an economist and the Executive Director of Europe Economics, a financial consulting company advising on “economic regulation, competition policy and the application of economics to public and business policy issues”.85 Background Lilico has featured on the blog sections of British newspapers The Telegraph and The Guardian. Between December 2008 and September 2013, Lilico had…