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Aug 24, 2020

Turning Point Brands names general counsel successor

James Dobbins to retire on October 31 after more than two decades with the firm

NYSE-listed Turning Point Brands has picked Brittani Cushman to be its next general counsel.

James Dobbins, who is senior vice president, general counsel and secretary with the company, will retire on October 31 after more than two decades leading Turning Point Brands’ legal and governance functions.

Cushman is currently senior vice president of external affairs in the company’s legal department. She becomes deputy general counsel immediately, working with Dobbins on the transition before he departs.

She joined Louisville, Kentucky-based Turning Point Brands as director of external affairs in 2014. According to the company, Cushman has been a key driver of initiatives regarding Turning Point Brands’ policy strategy and regulatory filings and has advised on significant acquisitions.

Before joining the company, she was general counsel at a privately held tobacco product manufacturer, which her LinkedIn profile identifies as Xcaliber International.

Dobbins has been senior vice president and general counsel of Turning Point Brands since 1999 and secretary since 2002. In addition to those roles, he took responsibility for the human resources department in 2012. Before joining the company, he was in private practice in North Carolina and held positions in the legal department of Liggett Group, including general counsel and secretary.

‘James has been an invaluable resource for our growing organization during his tenure with the company, including the successful initial public offering in 2016,’ says Larry Wexler, president and CEO, in a statement. ‘The board of directors and executive team thank James for his leadership and service to the company. I am particularly pleased he has agreed to remain with the company in a consulting role.

‘Brittani has been a critical piece of our leadership team. Since joining the company, her unique skillset and forward-thinking contributions have strengthened the business. Brittani’s ability to diagnose and respond to evolving legal landscapes will be a significant factor in our continued success.’

Ben Maiden

Ben Maiden is the editor-at-large of Governance Intelligence, an IR Media publication, having joined the company in December 2016. He is based in New York. Ben was previously managing editor of Compliance Reporter, covering regulatory and compliance...