Former tobacco executive joins CDC senior leadership, raising concerns over industry influence

Former tobacco industry executive Stephen Sayle has been appointed to a senior position at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Sayle has served as the CDC's deputy director for legislative affairs since March. He previously worked at Fontem Ventures, a subsidiary of the Imperial Brands tobacco corporation. In 2017-2018, he was Vice President of US Corporate Affairs for Fontem. This company focuses on non-flammable tobacco products, including blu e-cigarettes and Zone nicotine pouches. The appointment raised concerns about the tobacco industry's potential influence over CDC decision-making.