Directorate Change

British American Tobacco PLC
15 December 2005


                            Management Board Changes

Jacques Kruger is to retire as a member of the British American Tobacco
Management Board as Director, Africa & Middle East on 31 March, 2006.  He will
be succeeded by Nicandro Durante, who is currently President of Souza Cruz, the
Group's Brazilian subsidiary, and who will be joining the Management Board on 1
March.  Nicandro will be succeeded by Andrew Gray, who is Managing Director of
British American Tobacco Malaysia.  An announcement about Andrew's successor
will be made in due course.

Nicandro Durante (49) has degrees in Finance, Economics and Business
Administration and joined the Group in 1981.  A Brazilian, his career in the
Group has been in financial management in Brazil, the UK and Hong Kong, before
becoming President of Souza Cruz in January 2004.  Andrew Gray (40) is also
Brazilian, with a degree in Economics.  Before becoming Managing Director in
Malaysia, he was Area Director for Central America & the Caribbean, having
previously worked in Marketing in Brazil, Chile and Mexico.  He joined the Group
in 1986.

Commenting on the Management Board change, Paul Adams, British American
Tobacco's Chief Executive, said:  "I would like to thank Jacques for everything
he's achieved in 27 years' service and, especially, as Director, Africa & Middle
East over the past three years.  The quality of our businesses in a region that
can pose considerable challenges to international companies is a real tribute to
him.  I am confident that Nicandro will be a worthy successor, especially given
his outstanding leadership in Brazil."


                                   ENQUIRIES


British American Tobacco Press Office            Investor Relations
David Betteridge/Teresa La Thangue /Emily Brand  Ralph Edmondson/Rachael Cummins
[phone] (24 hours)                  [phone] or 1519



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