Plant biotechnology company 22nd Century Group Inc (NYSE American:XXII) reported on Friday the election of Michael J. Zercher as its chief operating officer.

In his new position, Zercher will lead 22nd Century Group's marketing, sales, business development, research and development, regulatory affairs and operations.

The company aims to support the US FDA in implementing a new Agency rule requiring that all cigarettes sold in the US contain only minimally or non-addictive levels of nicotine; obtain a Modified Risk Tobacco Product (MRTP) marketing order from the FDA for the VLNC cigarettes; launch its proprietary VLNC cigarettes in the US and internationally; develop its hemp/cannabis intellectual property portfolio; and expand its presence in the hemp/cannabis industry.

Prior to the promotion, Zercher was employed as the vice president of Business Development in the company, which he joined in October 2016.

Previously, Zercher has served as vice president and managing director of Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company's (SFNTC) international business, a subsidiary of Reynolds American Inc and the corporate home of the Natural American Spirit tobacco brand, as well as the owner of Santa Fe Hard Cider LLC based in Santa Fe, NM.