Juul Labs CEO and cofounder Kevin Burns is stepping down from the San Francisco-based e-cigarette giant, according to a press release published on the company’s website today.
The company also announced that it will stop all print, digital, and broadcast advertising in the U.S., and will no longer lobby for FDA approval.
According to Fast Company, Burns’ resignation comes in the wake of at least nine reported deaths from vaping related illness across the U.S. in recent months. While none of the deaths have been linked directly to Juul, the company has pledged to stop lobbying the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on e-cigarette related issues.
In a published statement on the company’s website, Burns wrote,
“Working at JUUL Labs has been an honor, and I still believe the company’s mission of eliminating combustible cigarettes is vitally important.”
“I am very proud of my team’s efforts to lead the industry toward much needed category-wide action to tackle underage usage of these products, which are intended for adult smokers only,” he added in a press release.
JUUL Labs announced today that K.C. Crosthwaite will be joining the company as CEO effective immediately.
Under Crosthwaite’s new leadership the entire JUUL Labs team “will continue a broad review of the company’s practices and policies to ensure alignment with its aim of responsible leadership within the industry. “
