No 2 Mital looks the most likely choice to succeed outgoing CTP director Zeller

Michele Mital, deputy director of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s Center for Tobacco Products (CTP) since 2018, looks the most likely candidate to take over as head of the CTP after current director Mitch Zeller retires in April.

Review of applications collected through an online hiring process held earlier this year is still ongoing. But Mital is thought to have an advantage, given her significant CTP and FDA experience. Having spent over 25 years at the FDA, she would be considered a safe pair of hands, well versed in the requirements of the job and someone who would not represent radical change.