British American Tobacco picks Dragos Constantinescu as permanent CFO

(Alliance News) - British American Tobacco PLC on Thursday said it has tapped Dragos Constantinescu as its permanent chief financial officer.

The London-based cigarette and nicotine product maker said Constantinescu, who serves as the chief executive officer of Asahi Europe & International, will begin his tenure with effect from September 1.

Constantinescu previously spent 16 years at BAT, where he held senior finance and general management roles.

BAT said Javed Iqbal will continue to serve as interim CFO until Constantinescu's appointment. Iqbal will continue in his role as the digital & information director.

Iqbal was roped in after Soraya Benchikh suddenly resigned after a short stint in late in August last year.

"I am pleased to welcome Dragos to BAT as chief financial officer and executive director," BAT Chair Luc Jobin said, adding: "He brings a strong combination of financial expertise, broad enterprise leadership and international experience in both Nicotine and the wider FMCG sector."

"His international experience alongside a strong understanding of BAT will be key assets as we continue to focus on quality growth, the sustainable delivery of our mid-term growth algorithm and robust cash returns," BAT Chief Executive Officer Tadeu Marroco said, referring to Constantinescu.

By Artwell Dlamini, Alliance News senior reporter South Africa

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