By Timothy S. Donahue
Elise Rasmussen, the founder of the Global Tobacco and Nicotine Forum (GTNF), has stepped down from her role at the nicotine industry event to begin her own competing forum, the World Nicotine Congress (WNC).
In a letter to its members, Chris Greer, president of GTNF parent Nicotine Resource Consortium (NRC), formerly the Tobacco Merchants Association (TMA), stated that “effective 12/1, Elise and GTNF have amicably agreed” to part ways.
“The Founder and Executive Director of GTNF, Elise Rasmussen is leaving NRC. Elise is a friend, as well as a colleague, and I hope you will join me in celebrating her many contributions to our organization and the larger tobacco and nicotine community,” Greer stated. “Elise is a true leader, convenor and connector. Many of us know each other because of her. As we contemplate the future, I cannot but stand in awe at what she built and pledge to do my utmost to honor her legacy.”
Rasmussen told Nicotine Insider that her most significant “thank you” goes to the 1,000s of delegates who have attended the GTNF over the years. “Without your support and participation, nothing would have been possible,” she said. “As you know, the GTNF has always been a passion project … My guiding vision has always been to look ahead, embrace new challenges and play my part to help shape a better future.”
GTNF 2026 will be held in Brussels, Belgium, from September 21-23. The inaugural WNC will be held March 23-25 at The Hotel in Brussels.
