Global tobacco giant Philip Morris International’s U.S. branch is opening an office in Tampa, Florida, in the Westshore business district with plans to invest $50 million for a business solutions center.
The company signed a 10-year lease with plans to consolidate multiple business lines into a single location at the Highwoods Bay Center at 5426 Bay Center Drive, according to a press release from Philip Morris International. Philip Morris International leased 56,191 square feet at the building, according to a company spokesperson.
The move will bring together its business solutions, distribution operations and customer service sectors, with 180 new and indirect jobs to be created as a result. The roles involve finance, data engineering and analytics, information technology, project management, sales, talent acquisition, people operations and other positions.
“Florida has proven to be an exceptional partner — offering a business-friendly environment, robust infrastructure and a deep pool of highly skilled talent,” said Stacey Kennedy, CEO of Philip Morris International's U.S. businesses, in the release.
Kennedy added that the new business solutions center reflects the company's "long-term commitment" to the U.S. and building out local teams to help deliver a "smoke‑free America."
“The Tampa Bay area, in particular, stands out for its dynamic culture and quality of life — both essential to attracting and retaining the talented workforce that drives our innovation," Kennedy said.
Situated five miles west of downtown Tampa and a five-minute drive from the airport, the Highwoods Bay Center is a 211,400-square-foot office complex built in 2007 and owned by Raleigh, North Carolina-based Highwoods Properties. The surrounding Westshore business district is one of Tampa Bay's biggest commercial areas with more than 6,500 business, 100,000 employees and over 15.3 million square feet of commercial office space, according to figures from the Westshore Alliance.
Known for cigarette brands like Marlboro, Parliament and Virginia Slims, the Stamford, Connecticut-based global conglomerate started moving toward smoke-free products in 2016, with nearly 42% of the company’s $40.6 billion in 2025 net revenue coming from its smoke-free products, according to regulatory filings.
Since 2022, Philip Morris International has invested more than $1 billion in its U.S. manufacturing, operational capabilities and people costs as it continues to grow its workforce of more than 3,000 employees, the release said.
For the record
JLL's Caleb Lewis, Isaac Gilmore and Chuck Rosien represented Philip Morris International in the Tampa lease.