Directorate Change

Board Update - Finance Director

Imperial Tobacco Group PLC today announces that Oliver Tant, formerly Vice Chairman of KPMG and Chairman of KPMG's Client Council, will succeed Bob Dyrbus as Finance Director.

Oliver will be appointed to the Board on 1 October and will be appointed Finance Director on 5 November, when Bob will step down from the Board before retiring from the business on 31 December. Bob will work closely with Oliver over the coming weeks to ensure a smooth and orderly transition.

Oliver has held a number of senior positions at KPMG during a highly successful career, including Global Managing Director of the Private Equity Division and Head of UK Audit. He was also a member of the UK Board of KPMG.

He has a wealth of international experience in change management, organisational restructuring, corporate finance and mergers and acquisitions. Over the years his industry focus has included consumer and industrial markets, retail, audit, private equity and insurance.

Iain Napier, Chairman of Imperial Tobacco Group PLC, said: "Oliver is a great successor to Bob and I'm delighted to welcome him to the Company.

"He joins us with a proven track record of driving high performance to maximise value and has extensive corporate finance and financial management expertise. As we continue our strategic transition it's important that we have someone of Oliver's calibre to lead the finance team in supporting the sustainable growth of the business.

"Bob has played a significant role in the success of Imperial Tobacco over many years and, on behalf of the Board, I'd again like to thank him for the huge contribution he's made."

Enquiries

Gerry Gallagher (Director of Investor Communications)Telephone: +44 (0) 117 933 7014

Grant Edmunds (Investor Relations Manager)Telephone: +44 (0) 7854 521 732

Alex Parsons (Director of Group Communications)Telephone: +44 (0) 7967 467 241

Simon Evans (Group Press Officer)Telephone: +44 (0) 7967 467 684