Hervé Kamdem: AI Accelerates Research and Innovation at PMI

Hervé Kamdem, General Director of Philip Morris International (PMI) for Tunisia and Libya, recently participated in a panel on "Technological Transition: AI in the Service of the Green Revolution" at the 28th edition of the International Realities Forum. He presented concrete applications of artificial intelligence in PMI's research and development activities and its contribution to transforming the company's business model. Kamdem highlighted PMI's nearly 20-year transformation journey, aiming to build a "smoke-free future" by developing combustion-free products as alternatives to traditional cigarettes.

PMI has invested approximately $16 billion in research and development since 2008, employing over 1,000 doctors, scientists, and engineers. The company's smoke-free products are now marketed in over 100 countries. In Tunisia, about 23% of adults smoke, and Kamdem emphasized that cigarettes are a harmful product for health, with consequences for families and the healthcare system. He stressed that developing alternatives with potential risk reduction compared to combustible cigarettes is a crucial aspect of PMI's transformation.

Hervé Kamdem identified three primary areas where artificial intelligence contributes to accelerating PMI's activities. The first area is scientific research, where AI significantly reduces the time required for certain research steps, enabling the completion of tasks that previously took several years in just a few months. The second area is documentary research, where AI systems help researchers quickly access existing scientific knowledge, verify substance studies, and identify characteristics.

AI also intervenes in organizational processes, allowing PMI employees to accelerate analyses, facilitate large-scale data processing, and improve reflection work. Kamdem mentioned the potential of AI agents to optimize internal processes and enhance operational efficiency. These applications contribute to accelerating innovation and the development of smoke-free products presented as alternatives to combustible cigarettes.

Kamdem emphasized that PMI's smoke-free products are an essential part of the company's transformation, with the goal of reducing the risks associated with combustible cigarettes. He noted that the use of AI enables the company to accelerate the development of these products and improve their quality. The company's investment in research and development has led to significant progress in this area.

The use of AI at PMI has also led to improvements in the company's research and development processes. Kamdem stated that AI enables researchers to focus on high-value tasks, while AI systems handle repetitive and time-consuming tasks. This has led to increased efficiency and productivity in the company's research and development activities.

Hervé Kamdem's presentation at the International Realities Forum highlighted the importance of AI in accelerating research and innovation at PMI. The company's commitment to developing smoke-free products and its investment in research and development demonstrate its dedication to transforming the tobacco industry. As the company continues to evolve, it is likely that AI will play an increasingly important role in its operations.

Key points

• PMI has invested approximately $16 billion in research and development since 2008.