It’s a great fit for Boehner, 66, who was often seen smoking Camel Ultra Lights during his time in the House, and whose reputation as a smoker was perpetually part of any description of him.
Boehner, who retired from the House last year, made light of his smoking habit in a video with President Barack Obama shown during the White House Correspondent’s Dinner this year. In the video, Boehner jokingly dangled a cigarette in front of Obama, a former smoker.
The Winston-Salem based Reynolds American Inc. — the nation’s second largest tobacco company — revealed the high-profile addition to its board in a statement on Thursday. The tobacco company said Boehner will join the board immediately and serve on its corporate governance, nominating and sustainability committee.
The announcement did not disclose how much Boehner will earn on the board. A filing to the Securities and Exchange Commission about electing Boehner to the board also did not list his compensation. As House Speaker, he earned $223,500 per year — the highest salary of any member of Congress.
Boehner will serve as one of 14 members of the Reynolds board. In a statement, Thomas C. Wajnert, chairman of the board of directors, said he welcomes Boehner’s “fresh perspectives on our business and the rapidly evolving environments in which the (Reynolds American) companies compete.
Boehner served in Congress from 1990 to October 2015, including four years as speaker.
“(Reynolds American Inc.) is striving to transform the tobacco industry through innovative strategies that include speeding the decline in tobacco use among young people and reducing the harm caused by smoking,” said a Boehner spokesman. “These are objectives Speaker Boehner supports and looks forward to helping RAI advance through his service on the board.”
About the Author