Appointment of New Chairman

RNS Number : 6578X

British American Tobacco PLC

19 August 2009

Appointment of Chairman

Richard Burrows has been appointed a Non-Executive Director at British American Tobacco p.l.c. from 1 September 2009. He will become Chairman on 1 November 2009, when Jan du Plessis steps down in the light of his own appointment as Chairman of Rio Tinto plc from 20 April 2009.

Richard's executive career has been with Irish Distillers, where he was Chief Executive from 1978 - 2000, and at Pernod Ricard SA, where he was Co-Chief Executive from 2000 - 2005, based in Paris.

His current non-executive roles include Rentokil Initial plc and Carlsberg A/S, while he was Governor of the Bank of Ireland from 2005 - 3 July 2009.

Richard is a member of the Trilateral Commission which fosters closer co-operation among democratic industrialised nations. He served as President of the Irish Business and Employers Confederation from 1998 - 2000, as Chairman of the National Development Corporation from 1984 - 1988 and Chairman of the Scotch Whisky Association 2006 - 2007.

Commenting on the appointment, Sir Nick Scheele, the Senior Independent Director at British American Tobacco, said: "Richard's executive career in the worldwide FMCG sector makes him an excellent choice, as does his proven ability to work with a team from various cultures and countries. He is also an experienced non-executive director and the Board of British American Tobacco looks forward to the additional perspective he will be able to bring.

"On behalf of the Board, I would like to wish Jan every success as Chairman of Rio Tinto. In his five years as Chairman, British American Tobacco has performed consistently well, made two major acquisitions and delivered outstanding returns to shareholders."

Jan du Plessis said: "I am genuinely pleased that the Board has found such an outstanding candidate to succeed me as Chairman. Richard's experience at Pernod Ricard will be tremendously helpful to him in his new role and, with his warm personal style, his appointment will be well received in the Company."

Richard Burrows said: "I am delighted to have been given such an exciting opportunity at such a world class company. I look forward to working with my new colleagues on the Board and getting to know the rest of the executive team led by Paul Adams."

Note to Editors