Sustainability and compliance have become increasingly important for organizations over the past two decades. The tobacco industry shifts toward harm reduction. Any company wanting to appear responsible must also act like it. This is not just about reducing printing or small gestures. It involves the strategic development of the entire organization and its ecosystem. To support this, GN Group and Swedish Smokeless Solutions recruited Angela Mesropyan.
Angela joined GN LLC in December 2022 as Head of Strategic Development. GN LLC is the Armenian sister company of Giviton Holding in Sweden. Giviton owns Swedish Smokeless Solutions AB, among others. Before GN, Angela spent 12 years in international organizations. She primarily worked in consulting and gained valuable experience and skills.
Making change real at Swedish Smokeless
Angela left a strong consultancy career for GN Group and Swedish Smokeless. Why?
“As much as I loved consulting, the results were often not visible. I wanted to stay and see transformation unfold. At GN Group and Swedish Smokeless, we create real value. Working here means seeing the immediate impact of your actions. You’re part of the business, not just advising from the outside.”
Over her two years with the company, Angela gained experience across many areas. She has worked in production, sales, and strategic development. This inspired her to pursue additional training at Stanford Business School. Her goal was to align with GN’s fast-paced environment.
“Compliance in tobacco is harder than in many sectors. It’s more regulated, more scrutinized, and requires deeper reporting.”
Tobacco companies face strict rules on product safety and marketing. There are also requirements for environmental and social reporting. Strong governance and proactive compliance are essential. They help build trust and navigate a complex landscape.
“But that doesn’t mean other sectors get a pass. Food, for example, also needs sustainability and ethical sourcing. We apply high compliance standards across all business areas.”
Shift towards harm reduction
Angela sees real change in the tobacco industry.
“Smokeless products and nicotine pouches offer reduced harm. They expose users to fewer harmful substances than cigarettes. Studies now show they reduce health risks significantly.”
Innovation is also reshaping tobacco production.
“Biotechnology helps reduce harmful compounds in plants. Better safety tests improve consumer protection.”
She believes regulators will evolve as science progresses.
“Frameworks will support harm reduction if it’s backed by evidence. Companies investing in research and sustainability will lead the future.”
Achievements so far
Angela highlights several milestones from her first two years:
- Implementing and maintaining transfer pricing documentation
- Enhancing corporate governance processes within the group
- Introducing ESG standards across all operations and regions
These initiatives impact Swedish Smokeless Solutions in particular. Tobacco production, like food manufacturing, is tightly regulated. Environmentally smarter processes make a real difference here.
“We’re conducting a Double Materiality Assessment (DMA) aligned with EU standards. Even if we’re not legally required, we continue voluntarily. We want to embed these standards into daily operations.”
Next comes a Gap Assessment and ESG strategy. The plan will be gradual, strategic, and measurable.
“We’re not starting from scratch. We already use eco-friendly technologies and materials. Now we build on that foundation based on stakeholder input.”
Initial feedback highlights raw material sourcing as a priority. Circular economy, energy efficiency, and water management also stand out.
What’s next for Angela?
Angela believes ESG goes far beyond environmental compliance.
“It touches HR, finance, and public affairs as well. So, there’s still a lot of important work ahead.”
She finds her role at GN Group both rewarding and demanding.
“GN is not just a workplace. It’s a place to grow, take on challenges, and learn. Every week, I gain new insight into our diverse business. It’s where experience meets purpose, and I’m proud to contribute.”
By Nelli Grigoryan
