LOS ANGELES –  Infused beverage brand Nowadays hired Christopher Forster-Smith as director of regulatory affairs. Forster-Smith previously served in a senior capacity with the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB).

In the newly created position, he will leverage his TTB experience in alcohol regulation, compliance, and taxation. During his more than eight years at the government agency, he managed all cannabis and hemp related policies and issues for the Regulations and Rulings Division.

The addition of Forster-Smith comes at a critical time for the company, as hemp regulation has taken center stage at both the state and federal levels. Working closely with Nowadays’ general counsel and head of regulatory affairs, Michelle Bodian, he will be crucial in advancing the company’s regulatory strategy for the longevity of the category. His work will also involve leveraging best practices from alcohol regulations, creating a reasonable tax structure for THC beverages, and advocating cross-functionally alongside supply chain partners, alcohol trade associations, and other industry stakeholders.

Forster-Smith holds a PhD in political science from The Johns Hopkins University.