George Weissman

WEISSMAN-- George. Altria Group, Inc. (formerly Philip Morris Companies Inc.) notes with great sorrow the death of George Weissman, former chairman and chief executive officer of Philip Morris Incorporated. He was 90. A World War II veteran, Mr. Weissman was employed by Philip Morris from 1952 until his retirement as chairman and chief executive officer in 1984. He served as a director of the company from 1958 through 1987 and as director emeritus from 1987 through 1990. He was instrumental in transforming the company into a diversified industry giant. In 1954, with the late Joseph Cullman III and the advertising agency of Leo Burnett, Mr. Weissman propelled the company to reposition its waning Marlboro brand as a full-flavored men's cigarette. Between 1960 and 1966, Mr. Weissman initiated the company's overseas expansion as chairman and chief executive officer of Philip Morris Overseas and as executive vice president of Philip Morris - International. Mr. Weissman also contributed heavily to Philip Morris Companies' successful diversification into other businesses. Mr. Weissman was essential to the creation of the company's program of support for the visual and performing arts, which became one of the largest of its kind, known for its emphasis on innovative work. Mr. Weismann served on the board of the Whitney Museum of American Art from 1979 to 1990. In 1983, under his leadership, Philip Morris donated the ground floor of its new Park Avenue headquarters to the Whitney as a popular midtown branch. By 1990, when Mr. Weissman retired as director emeritus, the company had emerged as the largest sponsor of dance in the U.S., and a 1994 report on 35 years of Philip Morris' arts contributions ran to 130 pages. Mr. Weissman was heavily involved with Lincoln Center from its earliest days, joining its Board of Directors in 1972 and serving as the board chair from 1986 to 1994. He raised much of the $150 million needed to build the Samuel B. and David Rose Building and was instrumental in the creation of Jazz at Lincoln Center. Mr. Weissman was deeply committed to civil rights. During his tenure, Philip Morris became the first tobacco company to employ blacks in high positions. The company also enthusiastically employed women and, in 1970, the company's Virginia Slims brand became the first corporate sponsor of women's tennis. Mr. Weissman leaves behind a substantial legacy, not only in business, but in his service to his country and the numerous causes he believed in and supported, most notably in the arts, education and civil rights. The Altria Board of Directors and employees of Altria's companies pay warm tribute to Mr. Weissman's memory and his legendary accomplishments, and extend their deepest sympathy to his family. Mr. Weissman is survived by his wife Mildred (nee Stregack), sons Paul J. Weissman and Daniel Weissman, daughter Ellen Weissman, and one grandson.