WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (AP) — Camel and Pall Mall cigarette maker R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. is tapping the head of PepsiCo North America's nutrition division as its new president and chief commercial officer.

The nation's second-biggest cigarette company said Friday that Debra Crew will replace Andrew Gilchrist on Oct. 1, when he will become executive vice president of parent company Reynolds American Inc.

Reynolds American CEO Susan Cameron says Crew's experience working for some of America's best-known consumer brands will play a key role in leading the company's transformation of the tobacco industry.

Crew joined PepsiCo in 2010 and assumed her current role earlier this year. She previously served as general manager of grocery brands and U.S. pet-care products for Mars Inc. and held several marketing positions at Nestle S.A. and Kraft Foods Inc.