Directorate Change

British American Tobacco PLC
22 February 2005




                     APPOINTMENT OF NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR



The Board of British American Tobacco announces that Sir Nicholas (Nick) Scheele
is joining the Board as a Non-Executive Director, with effect from 28 February
2005.



Sir Nick, who is 61, recently retired as President and Chief Operating Officer
of Ford Motor Company.  He had a long and distinguished career with Ford, during
which time he held a number of significant positions including Chairman of Ford
Europe, Chairman and CEO of Jaguar Cars Limited and President of Ford of Mexico.
He is also Chancellor of Warwick University.



Welcoming him to the Board, Jan du Plessis, Chairman of British American
Tobacco, said:  "Nick's extensive international experience will be immensely
beneficial to the Board and I really look forward to the contribution he will
undoubtedly make."





                                   ENQUIRIES

                     British American Tobacco Press Office

              David Betteridge, Teresa La Thangue and Emily Brand

                              [phone]




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