Tobacco giant Philip Morris International Inc. announced Thursday the appointment of corporate lawyer Suzanne Rich Folsom as the company’s senior vice president and general counsel, taking over the company’s legal, ethics and compliance department effective July 1.

Philip Morris said Folsom replaces Marc Firestone, who plans to retire later this year. As general counsel, Firestone also held the role of president of external affairs. He will continue in the external affairs role until a successor is found.