Black Buffalo Strengthens Leadership with New Board Members and Advisors

Black Buffalo Inc., a prominent player in the smokeless tobacco alternative sector, is making significant strides in its leadership with the recent re-election of Kit Dietz to the Board of Directors and the new appointment of Viv Penninti as Senior Advisor.

Kit Dietz has been a vital part of Black Buffalo's leadership since March 2023 and has now been elected for another term as an Independent Director. His extensive experience in the nicotine and tobacco industry spans over four decades, making him a key figure in the company's strategic plans. Notably, Dietz previously held the position of Independent Director at Lorillard during its impressive growth phase, contributing to its $27 billion acquisition by Reynolds American in 2015—a landmark event in the industry. Before his time at Lorillard, he was the Chairman of Tripifoods Inc. and President of Spartan Stores Inc.

Joining the leadership team is Viv Penninti, who takes on the role of Senior Advisor as of January 2025. In this newly established position, he will leverage his vast expertise in data and analytics to guide Black Buffalo's sales and marketing strategies. Penninti is recognized as a pioneer in the tobacco and nicotine sector, having served as CEO of Management Science Associates Inc. (MSAi) and later as CEO of iGATE Global Solutions, a prominent IT company. Currently, he leads InRhythm, Inc., which focuses on developing AI-driven business intelligence applications.

Matthew Hanson, the Chief Growth Officer at Black Buffalo, expressed enthusiasm about the newly strengthened leadership, stating, "Having Kit and Viv closely advising Black Buffalo in their respective capacities is an amazing benefit for our company, as well as our retail partners and wholesale customers. Together, they have created some of the most widely used strategies and technologies in sales, data, and analytics in the industry, and we are honored that they have chosen to partner with Black Buffalo."

As Black Buffalo aims for continued growth in its retail presence and overall market leadership, the insights and expertise brought by Dietz and Penninti will be crucial. Their combined efforts will support the company in strategic planning, retail expansion, and overall performance optimization.

Founded in 2015, Black Buffalo has emerged as a leading alternative to traditional smokeless tobacco products. The company has dedicated over 25,000 hours to research and development, resulting in innovative products that have earned accolades in the industry. Black Buffalo is a three-time recipient of the Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing Private Companies in America award, most recently in 2024, and has been recognized for major Best New Product awards within the convenience trade.

Black Buffalo’s smokeless tobacco alternative products are available both in-store and online, making them accessible to a wide audience. For more information about Black Buffalo and to explore product locations, visit the company’s official website. Retailers interested in partnership opportunities can contact Black Buffalo directly for more information.

It is important to note that certain products from Black Buffalo contain pharmaceutical-grade, tobacco-derived nicotine, an addictive chemical, and are intended for adults aged 21 and older who are current consumers of nicotine or tobacco. As Black Buffalo continues to innovate and expand its offerings, the leadership team is committed to navigating the complex regulatory landscape to meet the needs of their consumers while upholding high standards of quality and safety.

The re-appointment of experienced figures such as Dietz and Penninti to the leadership team reflects Black Buffalo’s commitment to maintaining its competitive edge and achieving long-term success in the market. With a robust strategic vision, the company is poised to significantly influence the future of smokeless tobacco alternatives, ensuring it remains at the forefront of industry advancements.

With these developments, Black Buffalo is making clear its intent to solidify its position in the market, and enhance its influence as a pivotal player in the evolving landscape of tobacco alternatives.