Former Surgeon General Joins NJOY's Board

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- NJOY is adding some star power to its board of directors. Former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Richard Carmona has joined the board of the locally based electronic cigarette company and will chair its Scientific Advisory Committee.

Carmona served as the 17th U.S. surgeon general from 2002 to 2006 under President George W. Bush. During his tenure he was known for reviewing the effects of secondhand smoke, as outlined in his landmark 2006 Surgeon General's Report on the health effects of exposure to environmental tobacco smoke.

In his role at NJOY, Carmona will provide strategic counsel to the company on public health and regulatory issues and spearhead NJOY's research on the harm reduction potential of electronic cigarettes.

"Dr. Carmona is an important addition to NJOY's board, and we are pleased that he has agreed to serve in this valuable role for our company," said NJOY CEO Craig Weiss. "His expertise will be critical as we look to enhance our efforts to ensure cohesive and effective regulation in the category and raise awareness about e-cigarettes as a viable alternative for adult tobacco consumers. At NJOY, we are proud to be a leader in this process and believe our products have the potential to render traditional cigarettes obsolete."

The move could bring more credibility to the growing segment of other tobacco products. According to Well Fargo Securities LLC, the announcement bolsters its conviction on the potential ultimate opportunity for e-cigarettes, which could one day surpass consumption of traditional cigarettes.

"Given Dr. Carmona's work surrounding the potential dangers of secondhand smoke as outlined in his landmark 2006 Surgeon General's Report on the health effects of exposure to environmental tobacco smoke, we think his appointment to NJOY's board further validates the potential that e-cigarettes could have to reduce harm with the understanding that more research will likely need to be completed," explained Bonnie Herzog, managing director of tobacco, beverage and consumer research at Wells Fargo Securities. "Overall, we view this announcement as very positive for NJOY, one of the leading private e-cigarette companies, as well as the entire fast growing e-cigarette category."

Carmona worked in various positions in the medical field and serves as the first Distinguished Professor of Public Health at the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health at the University of Arizona. He also served in the U.S. Army and the Army's Special Forces. A decorated Vietnam War veteran, he received two Purple Hearts and two Bronze Stars for his service.