Press Release

Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids Welcomes Appointment of Andrew Black as Head of the Secretariat to the WHO Tobacco Control Treaty

August 10, 2026
Statement of Yolonda C. Richardson, President and CEO of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids

Washington, D.C. – The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids is pleased to welcome Andrew Black as the new Head of the Secretariat to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC), a crucial role at the forefront of global efforts to reduce tobacco use. 

The Convention Secretariat serves as the Secretariat for both the WHO FCTC and the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products. It supports crucial work in promoting both treaties and working with international organizations, non-governmental organizations and external stakeholders.  

The work of the Convention Secretariat and the global tobacco control community has never been more important as the world’s largest tobacco companies become increasingly bolder in their tactics to lure young people into a lifetime of addiction. Mr. Black is a capable leader with an exemplary background in tobacco control and public health. 

Tobacco-Free Kids joins the global tobacco control community in congratulating Mr. Black on his new appointment and looks forward to working closely with the Convention Secretariat to support the continued adoption and implementation of the lifesaving measures called for by the WHO FCTC. 

Latest Press Releases

Over One-Third of World’s Population Exposed to Deadly Secondhand Smoke, Putting Billions, Including Millions of Children, at Risk
Washington, D.C. – More than one-third of the world’s population – including 767 million children – was exposed to secondhand smoke in 2023, according...
September 10, 2026
DOJ Decision Weakens FDA’s Ability to Impose Monetary Penalties on Retailers that Sell Unauthorized Tobacco Products
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In yet another U.S. Government action that benefits the tobacco industry and harms public health, the U.S. Department of Justice ha...
August 26, 2026
Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids celebra el nombramiento de Andrew Black como Jefe de la Secretaría del Convenio Marco de la OMS para el Control del Tabaco
Washington, D.C. — Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids celebra el nombramiento del Sr. Andrew Black como nuevo Jefe de la Secretaría del Convenio Marco de...
August 10, 2026