Leadership Changes Reflect PMI’s Continued Shift Toward a Smoke-Free Future
Philip Morris International has announced a series of regional leadership appointments as part of its ongoing transformation strategy centered on building a smoke-free future and strengthening its global operating model.
Effective August 1, 2026, the company will implement key leadership transitions across Europe, Latin America, and Canada, reinforcing its regional structure designed to accelerate execution, improve consumer focus, and support long-term growth across diverse markets.
The appointments follow PMI’s evolved organizational framework introduced in late 2025, which established four primary regional business units under the International Business Unit. These units collectively represent the core of PMI’s global commercial operations, which generate the majority of the company’s net revenues.
All regional presidents report to Frederic de Wilde, CEO of PMI’s International Business Unit, who oversees performance, strategy execution, and transformation across the organization’s global markets.
Marco Hannappel Appointed President of Europe Region
Marco Hannappel has been named President, Europe Region, succeeding Massimo Andolina, who has been appointed Group Chief Financial Officer of Philip Morris International, also effective August 1, 2026.
Hannappel brings extensive international leadership experience and a strong background in managing complex, highly regulated markets. Since joining PMI in 2019 as President and Managing Director of Italy, he has held multiple senior leadership positions across the organization.
His earlier roles include serving as Area Vice President for Southwest Europe, where he was responsible for Italy and Iberia, and most recently as President of the Latin America & Canada Region. In these roles, Hannappel played a key part in advancing PMI’s commercial transformation and strengthening market execution across multiple geographies.
In his new role, Hannappel will be responsible for leading PMI’s Europe Region through a critical phase of strategic transformation, with a continued focus on accelerating the company’s smoke-free product portfolio and reinforcing operational excellence across diverse European markets.
Can Kuterdem Appointed President of Latin America & Canada Region
Can Kuterdem has been appointed President, Latin America & Canada Region, succeeding Marco Hannappel, effective August 1, 2026.
Kuterdem is recognized as a seasoned international business leader with a strong track record in general management, strategy execution, and organizational transformation. Most recently, he served as Managing Director of Poland, one of PMI’s largest European markets, where he successfully led the transition toward a multi-category business model. Under his leadership, the market achieved improved growth performance while strengthening employee engagement and organizational alignment.
Prior to that, Kuterdem served as Vice President of Strategy & Program Delivery for the Europe Region. In this role, he played a central part in shaping regional strategy and improving execution across key business initiatives, ensuring greater alignment between markets and corporate objectives.
Before joining PMI in 2020, he built an international career in consulting and technology, holding leadership roles at The Boston Consulting Group and Samsung. His experience spans multiple regions and industries, equipping him with a strong foundation in transformation strategy and large-scale operational execution.
In his new position, Kuterdem will oversee PMI’s operations across Latin America and Canada, focusing on driving sustainable growth, expanding smoke-free product adoption, and strengthening market performance in a diverse set of economic environments.
Gijs de Best and Vassilis Gkatzelis Continue Regional Leadership Roles
In addition to the new appointments, PMI confirmed the continued leadership of two key regional presidents.
Gijs de Best, who was appointed President of the South Asia, Indochina, CIS, Middle East & Africa Region in January 2026, continues to lead one of PMI’s most diverse and high-growth regions. With more than 20 years of experience within the company, de Best has held multiple leadership roles across markets and functions.
He began his career at PMI in 2004 as a financial analyst in the Netherlands and has since progressed through increasingly senior positions. His most recent roles include President of the Philippines and Vice President of Strategy & Program Delivery. Throughout his career, he has been recognized for his strong focus on consumer-centric strategies, operational performance, and talent development.
Vassilis Gkatzelis continues in his role as President of the East & Southeast Asia, Pacific and PMI Global Travel Retail Region, a position he has held since 2024, with expanded responsibilities across Southeast Asia as of 2026.
Gkatzelis has been with PMI since 2003 and has built a long career spanning Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific. His leadership experience includes serving as President Director of PT HM Sampoerna Tbk., PMI’s listed affiliate in Indonesia, as well as Managing Director for the Egypt & Levant Cluster.
He has played a significant role in advancing PMI’s smoke-free transformation, scaling operations, and building high-performing teams across multiple regions.
Organizational Evolution Supports PMI’s Long-Term Strategy
These leadership changes reflect Philip Morris International’s continued focus on strengthening its global management structure as it accelerates its transition toward a smoke-free future and expands its presence in reduced-risk products.
Earlier in 2026, PMI further refined its organizational model by establishing two primary business units alongside its wellness platform, under the leadership of Group CEO Jacek Olczak. The International Business Unit is led by Frederic de Wilde, while PMI U.S. operates under CEO Stacey Kennedy.
The company’s evolving structure is designed to enhance agility, improve regional accountability, and support more efficient execution of its long-term transformation strategy.
As PMI continues to reposition itself as a leading global consumer goods company focused on smoke-free alternatives, these leadership appointments are expected to reinforce its ability to execute consistently across markets, strengthen innovation, and drive sustainable growth worldwide.
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