22nd Century Group has hired former head of plant biotechnology at BAT, Dr Juan Sanchez Tamburrino, as vice president of research and development, the company said.

The New York-based plant biotechnology company said Dr Tamburrino will replace Dr Michael R. Moynihan, who is retiring from the company, as of 1 January.
22nd Century said Dr Tamburrino was formerly head of British American Tobacco’s plant biotechnology division, directed strategies for intellectual property for leaf tobacco at BAT, and has experience in reducing toxicants in tobacco, and gene mutation technologies.
The company said Dr Moynihan will continue to work as a consultant for 22nd Century.
President and CEO of 22nd Century, Henry Sicignano, III, said, “Mike Moynihan has been a foundational part of the team at 22nd Century; though we will miss him, I am very pleased that Mike will continue to support the Company’s important work, even as he enjoys his well-earned retirement.”
Dr James Swauger, the company’s senior vice president of science and regulatory affairs, said Dr Tamburrino’s experience make him an “invaluable” addition to the company’s R&D team.