BAT Focusing on Science-Based Business Development

Source from:  Tobacco Reporter 11/22/2011

Kingsley Wheaton is to take over as British American Tobacco's corporate and regulatory affairs (CORA) director on the retirement of Michael Prideaux at the end of June. In announcing a number of management board changes, chief executive, Nicandro Durante, said Prideaux had had an outstanding career with the BAT group that had lasted more than 23 years, 14 of which had been as a board member. Prideaux, he added, had agreed to stay on in a consultancy capacity after his retirement. At the same time, Durante announced a number of board appointments, including that of Wheaton. "I am pleased to announce the appointment of Kingsley Wheaton, David O'Reilly, and Naresh Sethi to the management board," he said. "They will all report to me. "Kingsley is appointed director, Corporate & Regulatory Affairs, 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 and development (GR&D) has been with British American Tobacco for over 20 years and has held various positions in GR&D. He has led 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 and 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." Enditem