Lorillard, Inc. recently announced that its Board of Directors has elected Murray S. Kessler as president and Chief Executive Officer, effective September 13, 2010. Kessler also was elected to serve as a member of the Board of Directors of the company.

Kessler succeeds Martin L. Orlowsky, current chairman, president and Chief Executive Officer.

Orlowsky will retire as chairman of the board and a director, effective December 31, 2010. Under a consulting agreement, Orlowsky will provide ongoing advice to the company for a period of two years following his retirement.

"It has been a privilege to serve as Lorillard's president and Chief Executive Officer for the past eleven years. I have enjoyed working with the board of directors, leadership team and dedicated employees to build a successful business and oversee its transition as a public company," said Orlowsky. "With his qualifications and proven track record at UST, Inc., Murray is well positioned to continue to build on Lorillard's success. I look forward to assisting with his transition over the next few months."

Commenting on his new appointment, Kessler said, "Thanks to Marty and his strong leadership team, Lorillard has outperformed the tobacco industry in almost every key measure. ... I am confident that together we will build upon the company's strategy of responsibly winning in the marketplace and, as a result, grow shareholder value."

Kessler, 51, joins Lorillard most recently from Altria Group, Inc., where he served as vice chair of Altria and president and Chief Executive Officer of UST LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary.