Written by
Frederic Patitucci, Chief People & Culture Officer, Philip Morris International
In the modern age of rapidly changing societal and business landscapes, there is no such thing as a single rulebook—because as soon as one is written, it is out of date.
One critical component that remains steady over time is the requirement to remain curious and agile. At PMI, these qualities are woven into our PMI DNA—a cultural framework that unites our company around shared values, behaviors, and a universal sense of togetherness and belonging.
Our goal is simple yet ambitious: to make who we are on our best days our everyday. By clearly defining what “our best” looks like, we tap into our collective power to drive our business’s continued success.
Frederic Patitucci, Chief People & Culture Officer at PMI
Our people’s growth is PMI’s growth
The growth of our people is directly linked to the growth of our business. From our heritage, which can be traced back to 1847 when Mr. Philip Morris set up a single tobacco shop on London’s Bond Street to our bold smoke-free mission today, every milestone has been fueled by the ambition to push boundaries and redefine what is possible.
Staying ahead means fostering an environment where continuous learning, collaboration, and innovation are embedded in everything we do. This isn’t just a strategy—it is a mindset that fuels progress, empowers our people, and drives our vision forward.
Whether you are deepening your expertise in a role, exploring new opportunities, or contributing to groundbreaking projects, growth is about shaping your journey—and, in turn, PMI’s—with intention and impact.
More from PMI’s Leaders of Change
Co-creating growth
Growth is a shared responsibility. Our organization is committed to providing the tools, programs, and diverse opportunities to our people so they can co-create their future, ensuring employability and organizational success.
Employees are encouraged to reflect on their journeys using three straightforward questions: “Where am I now? Where do I want to be? How do I get there?” These questions serve as a roadmap, helping individuals align personal goals with business needs.
We believe growth is a choice. It is about embracing challenges and having the curiosity and courage to push boundaries. The result? A workforce that is engaged, adaptable, and ready to meet the demands of an evolving business landscape. Progress starts with people—and it is their energy and ideas that shape the future of our company.
Learning and feedback as foundation
Learning at PMI isn’t limited to formal programs—it happens every day. Employees are encouraged to seize opportunities to grow through challenging projects, collaboration with colleagues, and guidance from mentors. This ongoing development not only benefits individuals but also strengthens our collective ability to innovate and remain competitive.
At the core is a shared commitment to understanding our business from the ground up. Employees are encouraged to develop a comprehensive view of PMI’s strategy, business model, product design, and commercialization. This holistic understanding allows them to align their work with PMI’s goals while preparing them to anticipate and adapt to future challenges.
Feedback is also an essential part of our approach. Rooted in transparency and open dialogue, feedback is not limited to formal reviews; it’s embedded into everyday interactions, fostering continuous growth. We encourage employees to ask for, give and, most importantly, act upon feedback—always with a dual focus on understanding what is working well and to reflect on what could be done differently.
Leaders play a crucial role here, not just by offering feedback but by demonstrating openness to receiving it themselves. This creates a ripple effect, strengthening trust and driving innovation across teams.
Growth makes us unstoppable
At PMI, growth is in our DNA. It advances us toward a smoke-free future through collaboration, growth, and an environment where our people and our business thrive. Our success can also be seen in our commitment to consumers.
Due to this proactivity, curiosity, and an always-on learning mindset from our people, we have shifted from a product-centric approach to one that prioritizes consumer needs. By listening to their insights and gaining a deeper understanding of our consumers, we anticipate and respond to evolving expectations. This shift not only builds trust but ensures we deliver meaningful and relevant products and experiences.
Every day presents an opportunity to learn, collaborate, and contribute in meaningful ways—helping to fulfill our people’s aspirations and bring our company ever closer to our smoke-free ambitions.
