Philip Morris International announced the resignation of senior vice president and general counsel David Bernick, effective June 30. He assumed the position two years ago.

The Switzerland-based tobacco company reported Bernick's resignation in a securities filing dated Feb. 13. The company did not provide any reason for the resignation nor did it disclose Bernick's future plans.

It its separation agreement with Bernick, however, the company said it would pay for Bernick's possible relocation from Switzerland to Chicago.

In connection with the resignation, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Louis Camilleri issued the following internal memo:

“In the past few weeks, David Bernick, Senior Vice President and General Counsel, and I have had numerous candid discussions regarding his personal aspirations and objectives given his widely acknowledged expertise and immense intellectual capabilities,” said Camilleri. “As a result of these conversations, I regret to inform you that David has concluded that his ambitions would be best served by pursuing other attractive avenues available to him.”

Philip Morris has hired Marc Firestone, general counsel at Kraft Foods, to replace Bernick. Firestone plans to leave Kraft in April to rejoin Philip Morris, where he worked until 2003.