Our Scientists

William “Allan” Rees, PhD, currently serves as Senior Director, Science Operations, Regulatory Affairs at Altria Client Services (ALCS) in Richmond, Va. In this role, he combines Procurement, Finance, Quality and Clinical Operations disciplines to lead the science operations function and infrastructure to support Altria’s strategies for product development. Dr. Rees also provides scientific insights to aid the development of reduced-risk products and supports Altria’s external engagement strategy.

Before joining the Altria family of companies in 2004, Dr. Rees was a Senior Research Associate at Merck & Co. Inc leading clinical operations teams in the development of novel therapeutics. Prior to his current role, Dr. Rees served in multiple areas at Altria and Philip Morris USA including: Clinical Sciences, where he conducted clinical research of early heat-not-burn reduced harm products; Regulatory Affairs, where he lead international product reporting and the first FDA product ingredient and HPHC submissions for Altria’s smokeable and smokeless product portfolios; Strategic Product Planning, where he provided Operations and Strategic support; and Leaf Procurement, where he led the procurement of domestic leaf and leaf by-products for PMUSA. 

Dr. Rees volunteers in the Richmond community by serving on several boards including J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College Board, St. James Episcopal Church Vestry Board, and St. Michael’s School Board. 

Ph.D., Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 1997

B.S., Biology and German, Hampden Sydney College, Hampden Sydney, VA, 1992