A Day in the Life of Philip Morris International's US CEO

Reflecting on three decades with Philip Morris International, Stacey Kennedy shares the rhythms of her daily life as the US CEO of the Stamford-based tobacco giant. With a career journey that took off in 1995 as a territory sales manager and later included roles such as Vice President of Sales for the Southeast region in Atlanta and executive positions in Europe and Asia, Kennedy stepped into her current role in January 2023.

Spending an equal tenure in domestic and international arenas, Kennedy, who replaced smoking with IQOS, a heated tobacco alternative, over a decade ago, elaborates on how she balances her packed agenda with personal fulfillment.

Morning Mindset and Routine

Kennedy begins her day between 6:30 and 7:00 a.m., allotting a few minutes to scan through any pressing matters on her phone—a necessity when leading a global enterprise. Adhering to a principle of 'self-care first,' she envisions placing her own 'oxygen mask' on before tackling the day's duties, beginning with either a neighborhood walk or a succinct yoga session, adaptable to the whims of weather or the need for a bit more rest. Skipping breakfast, she prefers a simple selection of berries or figs, complemented by an energizing double espresso.

Commute and Concerns

Around 8 a.m., Kennedy is on her way to the Stamford office, a manageable 25-minute commute. As she arrives at the office, her thoughts revolve around the pace of business innovation matched with responsibility—a balancing act she continually strategizes on.

Morning at the Office

Her mornings are dominated by meetings—the environment is designed to stimulate collaboration with open spaces and coffee stations. Direct reports fill her schedule, and strategizing with them often involves significant travel to various company locations, including a major plant in Owensboro and another under construction in Colorado. Policy work in Washington, D.C., is also crucial, where she liaises with regulatory bodies like the FDA to advocate for better alternatives for adult smokers.

Efficient Time Management

Kennedy's agenda is meticulously planned a year in advance, incorporating global management and board sessions. Flexibility is key, and innovative approaches like 'P.O.D.D.' (Problem, Opportunity, Discussion, and Decision) meetings are designed to carve out creative yet structured discussion spaces. Despite her skill in strategic meeting execution, Kennedy admits to challenges with punctuality. Her perception of time as more philosophical than rigid sometimes leads to lengthy discussions, much to her husband's exasperation.

Engaging Lunchtime

Lunchtime is often another opportunity for meetings, providing a casual setting for diverse conversations. Whether in a conference room or the canteen, Kennedy opts for simplicity such as a grilled chicken salad, leaving menu choices to her assistant to streamline decisions.

Afternoons: Reflect, Refresh, Reconnect

Afternoons continue with meetings but taper off with a reflection session alongside her chief of staff. These wrap-ups help her feel accomplished and set the stage for the following week. High-pressure moments are interspersed with refreshing pauses, involving an espresso and a break with her IQOS. For Kennedy, gratitude practices are vital for shifting focus toward positivity, mitigating frustration.

Evening Respite

Wrapping up around 6:30 p.m., Kennedy prioritizes family time, aiming for a 7 p.m. dinner with her family, occasionally postponed due to the twins' extracurricular schedules. While she usually cooks should she travel, crockpot preparations assist her husband, who is less culinary inclined. The meals typically reflect a Mediterranean diet.

Inspired dinner conversations are a household staple, with phones set aside to encourage engagement. This 'phone-free' rule is a family norm, fostering richer connections and discussions, often led by her husband.

Wind Down and Weekend Relaxation

Post-dinner, Kennedy enjoys unwinding with a decaf espresso alongside her husband, discussing their day. Reading occupies her evenings, split between fiction and nonfiction—fiction being a weekend indulgence due to its all-consuming nature. Her bedtime routine includes an obligatory check-in on her emails, ensuring all is well before retiring for the night. While some light work slips through, she imposes a limit to maintain work-life balance.

Typically, Kennedy doesn't engage in work on weekends. Still, she aligns any necessary tasks with family commitments, attending her son's crew events or assisting as a volunteer judge for her daughter's debates. This flexible approach outside structured routines keeps her invigorated and at her best. It’s the freedom to explore and be curious that, according to Kennedy, prevents her from feeling boxed in.