Tamas Sipos

As Director of EU Public Affairs, reporting to VP Illicit Trade Prevention, I am responsible to lead PMI’s European government affairs / law enforcement engagements, ensuring legitimate trade of global brands in 30 countries. I manage government relations efforts relating to supply chain integrity, e-commerce, fiscal regulations while fostering collaboration with authorities. I lead 2 direct reports with 8 dotted line reports and 30 professionals in government affairs, legal, and brand protection functions.

As Head of Illicit Trade Prevention of Smoke Free Products, reporting to VP Illicit Trade Prevention, I was responsible ~10m consumers of PMI's smoke-free products to obtain authentic international offers. I managed project teams of professionals in various functions. I drove the creation of brand protection solutions for electronic nicotine products in 40 countries and built media awareness campaigns and alliances with other brands to stabilise markets.

As Manager for Government Affairs and Regulatory Policy, reporting to VP Illicit Trade Prevention, I was responsible for regulatory affairs initiatives of PMI at UN, EU and domestic level to improve brand protection and anti-smuggling laws, managing 4 direct and 2 indirect reports. I represented PMI’s international policy agenda against illegal trade at government agencies, business alliances and NGOs, building internal regulatory policy strategy and training colleagues worldwide.

As manager Public Affairs EU, reporting to the Director Public Affairs EU, I was responsible for cross-regional and in-market government relations projects of PMI in Europe to advocate for regulations related to ingredients, labelling, traceability at national and EU level. I was also in charge of PMI's Good Agricultural Practices program in the EU ensuring sustainability of tobacco growing by improving labor conditions, protecting health and environment of ˜20,000 farmers in 6 countries in Europe.

As manager government affairs, reporting to the Director Public Affairs at Philip Morris Hungary, I was responsible for government affairs, regulatory advocacy, media relations, stakeholder relations, internal communications and social responsibility programs.

I was founding partner of IDS, a PR agency with clients from various industries including automotive, oil, banking, insurance, technology and film production. I led the development of the media analysis branch of IDS which was spun off in 2006. Expanded IDS’ media analysis sales to 60+ clients in Europe within two years.

Managed communications, stakeholder relations and contributions.

Supported the head of the Centre of Agricultural Marketing to open up new opportunities for Hungarian farmers in Russia.

Media analysis, messaging, speeches of senior members of the government.

International Public Affairs, Psychology of TV Advertising, Japanese Politics, Culture and Language