Graham A. Purdy was appointed Chief Executive Officer in October of 2022. Prior to his appointment as CEO, Mr. Purdy served as Chief Operating Officer from 2019 until his appointment to Chief Executive Officer. Since joining the Company in 2004, Mr. Purdy has held various leadership positions, including President of the New Ventures Division and Senior Vice President Sales. During his tenure, Mr. Purdy oversaw two of the Company s highly successful brand extensions, rolling out Zig-Zag Cigar Wraps and Stoker s MST. In addition, he built a highly effective sales organization driven by an industry-leading performance management system, strategically positioned a number of highly successful new products, and led the integration of many of the Company s most important strategic initiatives. Before joining the Company, Mr. Purdy spent seven years at Philip Morris, USA, where he served in senior sales and sales management positions. Mr. Purdy holds an A.B. from California State University, Chico. We believe Mr. Purdy is well-qualified to continue to serve as a director of the Company because of his 20-plus years with the Company, primarily in leadership roles. In addition, as former Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Purdy provides valuable insight to the Board on our strategic direction. Mr. Purdy also has relevant industry experience, having previously held a position in sales at a large tobacco company, which provides the Board with additional valuable insight into the industry, in general, and the Company, in particular.