Member Article

Philip Morris International investing in new global studio, creating over 300 roles and centralising digital, creative & support services

Philip Morris International (PMI) today announced the launch in the UK of its first Global Studio, marking another step forward in the company’s journey of transformation to a smoke-free future.

The new Global Studio, located in London, is expected to create work opportunities for more than 300 people over the coming years, spanning Digital, Global Communications, People & Culture and External Affairs. Working closely with PMI’s strategic Operations Centre in Lausanne, Switzerland, it will enable the Company to create centralized operational services connected to other PMI locations around the globe. The approach will allow for accelerated support to all PMI Markets and Functions through this new model.

“We are building our presence in London as a creative and service centre to ensure PMI is able to recruit and engage best-in-class digital strategists, marketers, communicators and content creators and provide greater support to markets to achieve our mission to replace cigarettes with less harmful alternatives,” said Jaime Suarez, Chief Digital Officer of PMI. “This is a critical move in our transformation toward becoming a smoke-free business with our range of e-cigarette and heated-tobacco products.”

The genesis of the London Studio followed a detailed examination of the company’s existing geographic footprint, ambitious business plans for growth, recruitment opportunities and potential efficiencies through co-location.

PMI undertook a year-long comparative analysis of cities across Europe before selection. London was identified as the strongest option for this new centre based on factors that included available talent pool, desirable location, and a well-developed infrastructure.

The new venture, which will be based at One New Change near St Paul’s in central London, represents a significant investment, and will help PMI to accelerate the expansion of its less harmful alternatives to cigarettes.

“In the UK, we have made significant investments in building an organisation that will enable us to meet our ambition to go smoke-free.” said Charles Bendotti, Senior Vice President for People & Culture at Philip Morris International. “Locating the hub in London is another important step in that transformation and this investment confirms its place as a world leading skills base. It’s also a return to our British roots, as Philip Morris founded the company with a shop in Bond Street in 1847.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sandra Griffiths .