Bangkok--Apr 23--Philip Morris (Thailand) Ltd. Duck Y.Song has been appointed President of Philip Morris Asia Inc., effective April 1. Mr.Song is currently president of Philip Morris Korea and Vice President of Philip Morris Asia. Mr.Song, 54, joined Philip Morris as a Director of Planning and Business Development in Hong Kong in 1984. In 1986, he was named Area Director, Korea and Thailand, and in 1988, Mr. Song relocated to Seoul. He was promoted to his current position in 1993. "Duck Y.Song has played a key role in developing our business in Korea and throughout Asia during his 14 years with Philip Morris," Philip Morris International President Andreas Gembler said, in announcing the appointment. "In his new position, the entire region will benefit from his leadership and experience." Mr.Song holds a Bachelor of Science degree in anagement from the University of Illinois and a Master of Business Administration degree from the Wharton Graduate Business School at the University of Pennsylvania. He served as a senior executive with New York advertising agencies Ogilvy & Mather and Leber Kats Partners, as well as with Trans World Airlines. Mr.Song's appointment comes after Peter L.Barnes announced his retirement from Philip Morris. Mr.Barnes' career with Philip Morris spanned 27 years, during which he held various marketing and executive positions in Australia, the United Satates and Europe before moving to Hong Kong in 1990. Mr.Barnes served as President of Philip Morris Asia from 1993. Philip Morris Asia Inc. is the regional operating unit of Philip Morris International, one of the Principal operating companies of Philip Morris Companies Inc. Philip Morris Companies Inc. is the world's largest producer and marketer of consumer packaged goods. It manufactures handreds of global and local brand name products, including Marlboro, Parliament and Virginia Slims cigarettes; Miller Beer; Kraft cheese; Tang powdered dirnk; Oscar Mayer meats; Jell-O; Post; and Maxwell House coffee. End.