Directorate Change

British American Tobacco PLC
14 May 2004

                                 Board Changes



Admiral William Owens, a non-executive director of British American Tobacco
since 1998, is to retire at the end of August this year.  The change will allow
him to devote more time to his new role as Chief Executive at Nortel Networks.



Martin Broughton, the Group's Chairman, said: "I would like to thank Bill for
his outstanding contribution to the Board and wish him every success in his new
position at Nortel."



Admiral Owens said: "I have greatly enjoyed my time on the Board and have found
the governance, the Board and the quality of the management at the very top
level of all the companies I have served.   I would like to wish the British
American Tobacco team every success."



                                   ENQUIRIES

                     British American Tobacco Press Office

                 David Betteridge/Ann Tradigo/Teresa La Thangue

                        [phone] (24 hours)




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