Our Leadership

Kenya Blake is Vice President and General Manager of Horizon Innovations, a joint venture with Japan Tobacco International focused on the commercialization and marketing of heated tobacco stick products in the U.S. 

Before assuming her current role, Kenya served as the Managing Director and General Manager for John Middleton Company, leading the cigar business for two years. Prior to that, she spent three years in the U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company (USSTC), serving as Senior Director of Regulatory and Product Innovation Strategy. Previously, Kenya has held various Brand Management leadership positions in USSTC, PM USA and NuMark, including Senior Director of Skoal, Director of Marlboro Retail, Ranch and Marlboro Red and Director of Marketing in Altria International Sales.

Since joining the company in 2001, Kenya has also held a variety of roles in Brand Management, Strategy & Business Development, Corporate Responsibility and Consumer Engagement Services.

Kenya's passion for helping to create a vibrant arts and culture community in Richmond has led to her serving on the Board of Directors for CultureWorks and is immediate Past Chair. She is also a member of the Executive Leadership Council. Kenya received her MBA from The University of Connecticut and BA from The University of Virginia.