Philip Morris USA, a subsidiary of Altria Group, is one of the largest tobacco manufacturers in the United States. The company, headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, was originally established in 1847 in London by Philip Morris. Over time, it has become a dominant force in the U.S. tobacco market, known primarily for its flagship brand, Marlboro. Philip Morris USA is recognized for its innovation in tobacco products, focusing on offering a range of premium and cost-efficient tobacco products to consumers.
In addition to traditional cigarettes, Philip Morris has also been at the forefront of developing smoke-free alternatives, investing heavily in research and technology to create products that aim to reduce the health risks associated with smoking. With a commitment to responsible marketing, corporate responsibility, and promoting harm reduction, Philip Morris USA continues to influence the tobacco industry both domestically and globally.
CEO and Founder of Philip Morris (USA)
Philip Morris USA traces its origins back to 1847 when Philip Morris, a tobacconist, opened a small shop on Bond Street in London, where he sold hand-rolled cigarettes. The company expanded rapidly, and in 1902, Philip Morris & Co., Ltd. was established in New York to introduce British cigarettes to the American market. Over the years, Philip Morris USA became a key player in the U.S. tobacco industry. Today, the company is part of the Altria Group, and its leadership focuses on innovation and sustainability in the tobacco space.
The current CEO of Altria, the parent company of Philip Morris USA, is Billy Gifford. Under his leadership, the company has continued to diversify its product offerings, focusing on smoke-free alternatives while maintaining a significant presence in the traditional tobacco market. Gifford’s vision for the company includes embracing harm-reduction products and addressing public health concerns related to smoking.
List of Top Companies Under Philip Morris USA (Altria Group)
Philip Morris USA operates as a part of the larger Altria Group, which owns several companies in the tobacco, wine, and cannabis industries. Below is a list of the top companies under Altria Group, including their valuations.
| Company Name | Year Acquired/Founded | Valuation | Industry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philip Morris USA | 1847 (Founded) | $80 Billion | Tobacco Products |
| John Middleton Co. | 2007 (Acquired) | $3 Billion | Cigars and Pipe Tobacco |
| U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company | 2009 (Acquired) | $10 Billion | Smokeless Tobacco Products |
| Nat Sherman International | 2017 (Acquired) | $1 Billion | Premium Cigarettes and Cigars |
| Ste. Michelle Wine Estates | 1974 (Acquired) | $1.2 Billion | Wine Production |
| Cronos Group | 2018 (Acquired Stake) | $1.8 Billion | Cannabis Products |
| JUUL Labs | 2018 (Acquired Stake) | $38 Billion | E-cigarettes and Vape Products |
FAQs About Philip Morris USA
Q1: When was Philip Morris USA founded, and by whom?
A: Philip Morris USA was founded in 1847 by Philip Morris in London. It expanded to the U.S. in 1902.
Q2: Who is the current CEO of Philip Morris USA?
A: Philip Morris USA operates under the Altria Group, whose current CEO is Billy Gifford.
Q3: What are the top brands owned by Philip Morris USA?
A: Philip Morris USA’s flagship brand is Marlboro, the world’s best-selling cigarette. Other notable brands include Nat Sherman and Copenhagen (under U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company).
Q4: What is Philip Morris USA doing in the smoke-free category?
A: Philip Morris USA, through Altria Group, is heavily investing in smoke-free alternatives like e-cigarettes and vaping products, including its stake in JUUL Labs.
Q5: What is the market value of Philip Morris USA?
A: As of 2024, Philip Morris USA is valued at approximately $80 billion.
Q6: Does Philip Morris USA produce anything besides tobacco?
A: Yes, through its parent company, Altria Group, Philip Morris USA has interests in wine production (Ste. Michelle Wine Estates) and cannabis products (Cronos Group).
