Authorization and Designation
To Sign and File
Section 16 Reporting Forms

The undersigned, an executive officer of Altria Group, Inc.,
a Virginia corporation (the Company), does hereby authorize
and designate Sean X. McKessy or Angela M. Crosby to sign and
file on his behalf any and all Forms 3, 4 and 5 relating to
equity securities of the Company with the Securities and
Exchange Commission pursuant to the requirements of Section 16
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Section 16).  This
authorization, unless earlier revoked in writing, shall be
valid until the undersigned's reporting obligations under
Section 16 with respect to equity securities of the Company
shall cease.  All prior such authorizations are hereby revoked.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this
Authorization and Designation this 6th day of January, 2009.

	/s/
Murray S. Kessler