Philip Morris appoints new area director for southern and eastern Africa

Steen Hjortholm has been appointed area director for southern and eastern Africa for Philip Morris South Africa. Danish-born Hjortholm will be based in Philip Morris South Africa's Cape Town headquarters.

Hjortholm has been with Philip Morris International for 12 years, working mainly in the Middle East and Eastern Europe. His most recent appointment was managing director of Philip Morris Hungary.

Hjortholm says his vision for Philip Morris South Africa is to build on the firm foundations created since the company returned to South Africa in 2003: "We are already a respected player in the industry, and with our take back of Chesterfield, we're committed to becoming an even stronger player. I would like to see us taking a sustainable approach to business, in what is a new era for Africa."