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TOP NEWS: British American Tobacco revamps management and regions

31st Jan 2023 10:06

(Alliance News) - British American Tobacco PLC on Tuesday announced senior management changes and a new regional structure as the cigarette maker streamlined its business as part of its push into 'New Categories' of smoking products.

The London-based maker of Dunhill and Kent cigarettes and of vuse vaping and glo tobacco heating products said the changes follow a strategic review of its regions, business units and global functions as it seeks to accelerate and transform its business.

The latest changes comes as BAT makes inroads into New Categories, which include tobacco heating products and vapour.

BAT said it has made significant progress in building a New Categories consumer base, growing powerful global brands and developing organisational capabilities for the future.

As part of changes, the number of geographical business regions will be reduced to three from four, and the number of business units will be trimmed to 12 from 16.

The new structure will consist of three regions: the US, where Reynolds American Inc is based; Americas & Europe; and Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa.

"The new structure will increase the efficiency of BAT's geographical footprint, optimise market prioritisation and will be based on fewer, larger business units, enabling even greater collaboration and accelerated decision-making across BAT," it said.

BAT will create two new management board roles to ensure clarity of ownership, accountability and focus, it said.

Johan Vandermeulen, currently regional director in Europe, will be appointed to the new role of chief transformation officer.

Luciano Comin will be appointed to the new role of director of Combustibles, focusing on driving value from combustibles to fuel further investment in New Categories.

In addition, Frederico Monteiro will be promoted to the management board as regional director of Americas & Europe Region. Guy Meldrum will continue to lead BAT's largest business in the US as president of Reynolds American.

Michael Dijanosic will take on an expanded role as regional director of Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa.

Javed Iqbal, director of digital & information, will work with the regional directors and chief transformation officer to ensure that the digital & information agenda is aligned with BAT's corporate transformation, the company said.

Meldrum and Monteiro will report to Vandermeulen, while Comin will report to the chief growth officer.

"As our transformation journey towards our strategic milestones gathers pace, we need to further sharpen our operating model, streamline our business to drive agility, and continue to enhance organisational capabilities," BAT Chief Executive Jack Bowles said.

Shares in BAT were 0.8% higher at ZAR659.39 in Johannesburg on Tuesday morning. They were flat at 3,068.42 pence in London.

By Artwell Dlamini, Alliance News reporter

Comments and questions to [email protected]

Copyright 2023 Alliance News Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

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