Directorate Change

15 Dec 2005 15:01

British American Tobacco PLC15 December 2005 Management Board Changes Jacques Kruger is to retire as a member of the British American TobaccoManagement Board as Director, Africa & Middle East on 31 March, 2006. He willbe succeeded by Nicandro Durante, who is currently President of Souza Cruz, theGroup's Brazilian subsidiary, and who will be joining the Management Board on 1March. Nicandro will be succeeded by Andrew Gray, who is Managing Director ofBritish American Tobacco Malaysia. An announcement about Andrew's successorwill be made in due course. Nicandro Durante (49) has degrees in Finance, Economics and BusinessAdministration and joined the Group in 1981. A Brazilian, his career in theGroup has been in financial management in Brazil, the UK and Hong Kong, beforebecoming President of Souza Cruz in January 2004. Andrew Gray (40) is alsoBrazilian, with a degree in Economics. Before becoming Managing Director inMalaysia, he was Area Director for Central America & the Caribbean, havingpreviously worked in Marketing in Brazil, Chile and Mexico. He joined the Groupin 1986. Commenting on the Management Board change, Paul Adams, British AmericanTobacco's Chief Executive, said: "I would like to thank Jacques for everythinghe's achieved in 27 years' service and, especially, as Director, Africa & MiddleEast over the past three years. The quality of our businesses in a region thatcan pose considerable challenges to international companies is a real tribute tohim. I am confident that Nicandro will be a worthy successor, especially givenhis outstanding leadership in Brazil." ENQUIRIES British American Tobacco Press Office Investor RelationsDavid Betteridge/Teresa La Thangue /Emily Brand Ralph Edmondson/Rachael Cummins+44 (0) 20 7845 2888 (24 hours) +44 (0) 20 7845 1180 or 1519 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange