HOME Our Transformation Why I joined PMI? Why I joined PMI 08 Jul 2021 · 4 min read As a scientist—and ex-smoker—the opportunity to help deliver a smoke-free future was too good to miss. Written by By Dr. Moira Gilchrist, VP Strategic & Scientific Communications Share this page Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Copy Mail When I worked in the pharmaceutical industry, I would never have dreamt of joining a tobacco company. So, Philip Morris International’s (PMI) initial contact confused me. I just couldn’t fathom what they would need me for. It only became clear when I learned about the company’s smoke-free vision. Research and Development (R&D) in the pharmaceutical industry uses innovation and science to help address pressing health problems. By the same token, PMI was using exactly the same model to develop alternatives that are a better choice for adult smokers than continuing to smoke. Their harm reduction approach—reducing as much as possible the negative effects of an activity that people are likely to continue doing—resonated strongly with me as it focuses on positive change without judgement, duress or discrimination against adult smokers. This convinced me that ultimately we were all in the same business of trying to improve people’s lives all around the world. Moira Gilchrist - What motivates you to work for PMI 00:40 Download Joining a tobacco company leading a transformation When I joined, PMI was at the beginning of its transformative journey, and it was the best career decision I’ve ever made. I was captivated by the company’s desire to transform—the energy and commitment was clear to see then, just as it is now. Joining was also personal for me because I was a smoker. I had tried to give up many times. Sometimes I succeeded for a period of time, but I really enjoyed smoking and somehow always ended up back there. So, I thought to myself: “If the company is successful, this could be a solution for me and the hundreds of millions of other people like me around the world.” Being a part of this success, and a part of a company that produces products supported by high-quality scientific evidence—and which could be a game-changer for millions of adults—was an opportunity I couldn’t turn down. I accept there is distrust about what we’re doing at PMI. But perhaps the most beautiful thing about science is that eventually, it becomes impossible to ignore. In our case, the science shows that PMI’s smoke-free products are—while not risk-free—a much better choice than cigarettes for men and women who would otherwise continue to smoke. Being a part of this success, and a part of a company that produces products supported by high-quality scientific evidence—and which could be a game-changer for millions of adults—was an opportunity I couldn’t turn down. Dr. Moira Gilchrist VP Strategic & Scientific Communications Leveraging expertise that takes us beyond nicotine What’s just as exciting for me as a scientist is that PMI’s scientific expertise, built over many years, can now be used to go beyond nicotine and tobacco and explore much wider application areas. We’ve started a journey to develop a range of unique and complementary product platforms, that can take the company to a very different future. When I joined PMI over 15 years ago I would never have dreamed we would be where we are now. But thanks to our embrace of science, facts and an absolute adherence to doing things the right way, these aren’t just dreams, but reality. This is an exciting time for PMI. We believe that with the right regulatory encouragement and support from civil society, cigarette sales can end in many countries in 10-15 years. That would be quite an achievement for everyone involved, and most importantly, for the world’s one billion smokers. I hope to still be at PMI to see that day arrive. OUR TRANSFORMATION Delivering a smoke-free future Jacek Olczak commits to accelerating progress on his first day as CEO of PMI PMI’s journey to deliver a smoke-free future Why did you want to be a scientist? Read more about PMI's transformation OUR TRANSFORMATION Delivering a smoke-free future 5 min read OUR TRANSFORMATION PMI aims to become a majority smoke-free business by 2025 4 min read Why did you want to be a scientist? 1:46 to watch Share this article Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Mail Quick Links Our Transformation Our Initiatives Our Science Smoke-Free Life Sustainability Careers Our Business Who We Are Corporate Governance Our Standards Our Views Inclusion and Diversity Investor Relations Smoke-Free Products Media Center Suppliers Other Initiatives Unsmoke Your World PMI Science Stop Illegal PMI Privacy Legal Terms of Use Legal Documents Social Media Rules of Engagement Cookie Preferences Cookie Notice Follow us on PRIVACY NOTICE FAQ GLOSSARY CONTACT US COMPANY INFORMATION © Philip Morris Products S.A. 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