Leading E-Cigarette Manufacturer JUUL Loses CEO & Pulls All Advertising In The U.S. Following Vaping Ban

The aftermath following the increasing vaping ban in various states and the Trump administration, has taken a serious toll on vaping culture, specifically JUUL, the leading e-cigarette manufacture. In a domino effect of bad news for the company, the CEO has stepped down and brand advertising is no more.

As reported by NBC News, Kevin Burns, now-former CEO of JUUL officially stepped down from his position as public scrutiny, increasing health concerns and banning vaping intensifies. Burns will be replaced by K.C. Crosthwaite, a former executive at rival tobacco-maker Altria. In a statement regarding the Crosthwaite’s new position, JUUL said, he will continue “a broad review of the company’s practices and policies to ensure alignment with its aim of responsible leadership within the industry.”

Following the news of Crosthwaite as new CEO, JUUL also announced that effective immediately, the company will pull all advertising in the U.S., including broadcast, print and digital. JUUL has already shut down its youth-focused social media marketing following the FDA’s demand to e-cigarette makers due to the rise in vaping use among teens. Kid-friendly fruit flavors have also been tossed out.

Legally JUUL is also taking a hit, as California federal prosecutors are reportedly conducting a criminal probe into the company for deceptive marketing practices targeted towards minors. The CDC released a report stating they are seeing “more and more cases” every day. They are encouraging those who vape to look out for symptoms that include, coughing, fever, trouble breathing, chest pain, vomiting, diarrhea and general fatigue. The majority of patients who have been affected by vaping are between the ages of 18 and 34, and nearly three-quarters are men.

To date, there have been nine vaping-related deaths and 530 confirmed cases of vaping-related lung disease.

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