PMI Expands in Latin America & Caribbean, Creates CCA Cluster, Names Key Executives

Aug.11.2025
PMI Expands in Latin America & Caribbean, Creates CCA Cluster, Names Key Executives
Philip Morris International establishes new cluster in Caribbean, Central America, and Andean region with new leadership appointments.

Key Points:

 

·New Cluster Established: Philip Morris International (PMI) has announced the establishment of a new Caribbean, Central America, and Andes (CCA) cluster, consisting of more than 30 countries. 

·Personnel appointments: Alberto Recio has been appointed as the new cluster general manager, focusing on product diversification and strengthening partnerships; Juliana Guerra has been appointed as the business manager, responsible for product development and the "Preventing Underage Access Program," among other tasks. 

·Market Opportunity: The Caribbean, Central America, and Andes (CCA) region is expected to see over 1.22 billion cigarettes replaced by heated tobacco products and other alternatives by the first half of 2025.

 


 

According to El Nuevo Diario, Philip Morris International (PMI) has recently announced the establishment of a new cluster for the Caribbean, Central America, and Andean region (CCA), as part of its strategy to strengthen its market presence in the Caribbean, Central America, and Andean region. The cluster is comprised of over 30 countries in the region.

 

Philip Morris International (PMI) has also announced the appointment of Alberto Recio as the new Cluster General Manager of Philip Morris International (PMI) (PMI).

 

Recio will lead the comprehensive development of the smoke-free vision in each regional area. His work will focus on enriching the product line to benefit adult smokers who need low-harm alternatives; strengthening alliances with key entities that contribute to market development; combating illegal trade and its associated harm to the industry and society; advocating for an internal culture based on collaboration, excellence, and respect for diversity; and responsibly marketing the company's full product portfolio.

 

PMI Expands in Latin America & Caribbean, Creates CCA Cluster, Names Key Executives
 Alberto Recio | Image source: elnuevodiario

 

According to the company's estimates of the sales of heated tobacco products, by the first half of 2025, over 122 million cigarettes will be discontinued in the Caribbean, Central America, and Andes Mountain (CCA) markets.

 

Philip Morris International (PMI) has announced that Juliana Guerra will serve as the Business Manager for the Dominican Republic and the Caribbean region. Guerra will be responsible for developing the company's entire product portfolio and marketing efforts, including the Youth Access Prevention (YAP) program. The program has already reached over 18,000 sales points in the Dominican Republic with educational and promotional activities, emphasizing the importance of not selling tobacco and nicotine products to minors.

 

PMI Expands in Latin America & Caribbean, Creates CCA Cluster, Names Key Executives
Juliana Guerra | Image source: elnuevodiario

 

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

Why AIRSCREAM Built its European Production Hub for Regulated Market Growth
Why AIRSCREAM Built its European Production Hub for Regulated Market Growth
AIRSCREAM’s production hub in the Czech Republic brings nicotine pouch manufacturing, e-liquid bottling, product documentation, warehousing and international logistics into one operation, giving brands and commercial partners a practical platform from which to launch, expand and enter new markets.
Market
Sep.16 by 2Firsts Perspectives
Canada Health Minister Says She Is Not Considering Looser Nicotine Pouch Retail Rules as PMI-Linked Group Pushes for Wider Access
Canada Health Minister Says She Is Not Considering Looser Nicotine Pouch Retail Rules as PMI-Linked Group Pushes for Wider Access
Canadian Health Minister Marjorie Michel says she is not considering loosening retail restrictions on nicotine pouches. Canada regulates pouches containing 4 mg or less of nicotine per unit as non-prescription nicotine replacement therapy and requires newer NRT formats such as pouches to be sold from behind pharmacy counters. Meanwhile, Unsmoke Canada, linked to Philip Morris International's Canadian business, is pushing to allow pouches in convenience stores and other general retail outlets. Health Canada also acknowledges continued unauthorized sales, while recent research shows rising pouch use among Canadian youth aged 16 to 19.
Sep.24
Former Roche Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Communications Director Ria Kioupritzi Joins PMI as Scientific Affairs Director
Former Roche Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Communications Director Ria Kioupritzi Joins PMI as Scientific Affairs Director
Eleftheria (Ria) Kioupritzi, a biopharmaceutical professional with more than 15 years of experience, has joined Philip Morris International as Director Scientific Affairs within Corporate Affairs. She previously served at Roche as Senior Scientific Communications Director for Neuroscience and Rare Diseases and worked extensively in spinal muscular atrophy. Her earlier career also covered competitive intelligence, clinical and regulatory monitoring, pipeline development and launch preparation. During her time working in Roche's SMA field, Evrysdi passed through several U.S. FDA milestones, including its initial approval, an expanded indication for younger infants and approval of a tablet formulation. Public records do not show that Kioupritzi herself led the FDA submissions.
Sep.22
Product | SKE Launches FRESA PRO in the U.S., Introducing Fresh Lock Technology for E-Liquid Management in High-Capacity Vapes
Product | SKE Launches FRESA PRO in the U.S., Introducing Fresh Lock Technology for E-Liquid Management in High-Capacity Vapes
Shenzhen SKE Technology has launched the FRESA PRO in the United States, a high-capacity rechargeable disposable vape featuring Fresh Lock electromagnetic valve supply control technology. The device combines a claimed capacity of up to 40,000 puffs, dual mesh coils, dual output modes and a transparent tank design. The launch reflects the high-capacity disposable vape segment’s shift from puff-count competition toward improved e-liquid management and device-level experience.
Aug.03
Arizona Turns to a 50% Retail Vape Tax as Tobacco Tax Revenue Falls 47% From 2008
Arizona Turns to a 50% Retail Vape Tax as Tobacco Tax Revenue Falls 47% From 2008
Arizona's First Things First is pushing for an excise tax equal to 50% of the retail price of vaping products, estimating that the measure could generate about $100 million annually. The agency says its tobacco-tax revenue has fallen 47% from 2008 levels. Arizona has attempted to broaden its nicotine tax base in each of the past two years: a 2025 bill proposed a 50% wholesale-price tax, while a 2026 measure shifted to a 50% retail-price tax covering alternative nicotine products and vapor products. Separately, the state enacted HB 4001 this year to establish a new licensing and sales framework for alternative nicotine products.
Sep.21
Imperial Brands Plans Thousands of Job Cuts Across U.S. and Europe in Cost Restructuring
Imperial Brands Plans Thousands of Job Cuts Across U.S. and Europe in Cost Restructuring
According to Reuters, citing Bloomberg News, British tobacco company Imperial Brands PLC plans to cut thousands of jobs across the United States and Europe as part of a cost reduction and organizational restructuring effort. The announcement drew market attention to the company’s shares. The move comes as global tobacco companies continue adjusting their operations amid slower cigarette market growth, changing consumer preferences and the transition toward next-generation nicotine products.
Aug.11