Altria Group Announces Election of Kathryn B. McQuade as Chair of the Board

Rhea-AI Summary

Altria Group has elected Kathryn B. McQuade as the independent Chair of the Board, effective following the 2021 Annual Meeting on May 20, 2021. McQuade, who joined the Board in 2012, will be the first woman to hold this position. Her notable experience spans finance and executive roles in regulated industries, which is expected to enhance Altria's strategy of transitioning adult smokers to non-combustible products. The election follows the passing of former Chairman Thomas F. Farrell II in April 2021.

Positive

• Kathryn McQuade's appointment signifies a commitment to diversity, with over 72% of board members being women or racially/ethnically diverse.
• McQuade brings significant expertise in finance and business strategy, potentially strengthening Altria's focus on its non-combustible future.

Negative

• None.

Altria Group, Inc. (“Altria”) (NYSE: MO) is pleased to announce that, on May 10, 2021, Altria’s Board of Directors (“Board”) elected Kathryn B. McQuade to serve as the independent Chair of the Board effective upon the conclusion of Altria’s 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which is being held on Thursday, May 20, 2021.

“I am thrilled with Kathryn’s selection to be Altria’s next independent Board Chair,” said Billy Gifford, Altria’s Chief Executive Officer. “I believe that her significant expertise, including in finance, business strategy and working within regulated industries, will help advance our focus on Moving Beyond Smoking™.”

Ms. McQuade, who joined the Board in 2012, will be the first woman to serve as Altria’s Chair of the Board and will oversee a Board on which more than 72% of its members are women or racially or ethnically diverse.

“I am honored to take on the role of independent Board Chair for Altria,” said Ms. McQuade. “I look forward to continuing to work with the Board and Altria’s dedicated leadership team in pursuit of its Vision.”

Ms. McQuade served as Senior Advisor of Canadian Pacific Railway Limited (“Canadian Pacific”), a transcontinental railway in Canada and the United States, from November 2012 to May 2013, after previously serving as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Canadian Pacific from September 2008 until her retirement in November 2012. Ms. McQuade joined Canadian Pacific in June 2007 as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Prior to joining Canadian Pacific, Ms. McQuade served as Executive Vice President-Planning and Chief Information Officer at Norfolk Southern Corporation where she spent 27 years in key information technology, strategic planning and finance leadership positions. Ms. McQuade serves as Chair of the Nominating, Corporate Governance and Social Responsibility Committee and is a member of the Audit, Compensation and Talent Development and Executive Committees.

As previously announced, Altria’s former independent Board Chairman, Thomas F. Farrell II, passed away in April 2021. He had planned to retire following completion of his current term and was not standing for re-election to the Board at the 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

Altria’s Profile

Altria has a leading portfolio of tobacco products for U.S. tobacco consumers 21+. Altria’s Vision through 2030 is to responsibly lead the transition of adult smokers to a non-combustible future. Altria is Moving Beyond Smoking™, leading the way in moving adult smokers away from cigarettes by taking action to transition millions to potentially less harmful choices - believing it is a substantial opportunity for adult tobacco consumers, Altria’s businesses and society.

Altria’s wholly owned subsidiaries include the most profitable tobacco companies in their categories: Philip Morris USA Inc. (PM USA), U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company LLC (USSTC), and John Middleton Co. (Middleton). Altria’s non-combustible portfolio includes Helix Innovations LLC (Helix), the maker of on! oral nicotine pouches, exclusive U.S. commercialization rights to the IQOS Tobacco Heating System® and Marlboro HeatSticks®, and an equity investment in JUUL Labs, Inc. (JUUL).

Altria complements its tobacco portfolio with ownership of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates Ltd. (Ste. Michelle) and equity investments in Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (ABI), the world’s largest brewer, and Cronos Group Inc. (Cronos), a leading Canadian cannabinoid company.

The brand portfolios of Altria’s tobacco operating companies include Marlboro®, Black & Mild®, Copenhagen®, Skoal® and on!® . Ste. Michelle produces and markets premium wines sold under various labels, including Chateau Ste. Michelle®, 14 Hands® and Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars™, and it imports and markets Antinori® and Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte™ products in the United States. Trademarks and service marks related to Altria referenced in this release are the property of Altria or its subsidiaries or are used with permission.

Learn more about Altria at www.altria.com and follow us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210511005703/en/

FAQ

When was Kathryn McQuade elected as Chair of the Board for Altria?

Kathryn McQuade was elected as Chair of the Board on May 10, 2021.

What is the significance of Kathryn McQuade's appointment for Altria?

Her appointment marks a milestone as she is the first woman to serve as Chair of Altria's Board.

What was the reason for the Board Chair vacancy at Altria?

The vacancy arose following the passing of former Chairman Thomas F. Farrell II in April 2021.

What is Altria's strategic focus moving forward?

Altria aims to transition adult smokers to non-combustible products as part of their vision through 2030.

What percentage of Altria's Board members are diverse?

Over 72% of Altria's Board members are women or racially or ethnically diverse.