Management Board Changes

RNS Number : 4021S

British American Tobacco PLC

21 November 2011

 



Monday, 21 November 2011

Management Board Retirement and Appointments

at British American Tobacco

Michael Prideaux, Corporate & Regulatory Affairs Director (CORA), has informed the Board of his intention to retire with effect from 30 June 2012. 

Nicandro Durante, Chief Executive, British American Tobacco, said: "Michael has had an outstanding career with the Group lasting over 23 years, 14 of which have been as a Management Board member.  I am pleased to say that Michael has agreed to stay on in a consultancy capacity after his retirement.

"Michael began his career in the Group with B.A.T Industries in 1989.  Throughout the1990s, as Director of Group Public Affairs, Michael had a key role in managing the challenges posed by financial services and then preparing British American Tobacco for life as a publicly quoted tobacco company.  In 1998 Michael joined the Management Board as CORA Director.

"The 2000s saw Michael addressing British American Tobacco's reputation, representing the Company in numerous TV interviews, transforming CORA's priorities, with an increasing focus on Regulation, and building alliances with third parties.  Ten years in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes is a testament to his achievement.

"I and the Management Board would like to thank Michael for his dedicated support of the business over the past 23 years.  We all wish Michael a long and happy retirement.

New Management Board Appointments

"I am pleased to announce the appointment of Kingsley Wheaton, David O'Reilly, and Naresh Sethi to the Management Board.  They will all report to me.

"Kingsley is appointed Director, Corporate & Regulatory Affairs (CORA), with effect from 30 June, 2012 when Michael Prideaux retires.  Kingsley will become Deputy CORA Director and sit on the Management Board with effect from 1 January, 2012.

"David is appointed Group Scientific Director and Naresh appointed Director, Group Business Development, two new positions on the Management Board, with effect from 1 January, 2012.

"The two new appointments reflect our focus on science based business development and our commitment to a strategy that meets the needs of consumers and promotes the responsible use of tobacco.  In line with this strategy, Mergers & Acquisitions will report to Naresh as part of Business Development and Nicoventures, our start-up company focussing on innovative regulatory approved nicotine products, will report to Kingsley.

"Kingsley is currently the Global Brand Director responsible for Kent and Vogue.  He joined the Group in 1996 and has held a number of roles in Marketing.  He was Marketing Director in Nigeria and Russia, before becoming General Manager in Russia, one of the Group's most significant businesses.

"David who is currently Head of Group Research & Development (GR&D) has been with British American Tobacco for over 20 years and has held various positions in GR&D.  He has lead the Group's R&D efforts to develop reduced toxicant products and has also been Head of International Public Health & Scientific Affairs, responsible for engagement with the scientific, medical and public health communities.

"Naresh, Group Head of Strategy & Planning, has 22 years of experience in the tobacco industry, having held various Marketing roles in India, Indonesia, West Africa and Australasia before moving to Japan.  He was Marketing Director in Japan and subsequently the Group's General Manager there.

"I should like to welcome Kingsley, David and Naresh to the Management Board.  I am confident that Kingsley will make an excellent successor to Michael Prideaux and that David and Naresh will bring important additional dimensions to our strategic direction."

ENQUIRIES

British American Tobacco Press Office

Kate Matrunola / Catherine Armstrong

[phone] (24 hours)

Investor Relations

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[phone] / 1206 / 1519 / 1977

 

END

 

 

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