By Laura McGuire
Lucky Strike maker British American Tobacco (BAT) has shaken up top level management with a string o senior appointments – including a new chief operating officer.
The rejuvenation of its top team follows the departure of the group’s ex chief executive Jack Bowels who was replaced by Tadu Marroco.
Marroco, the firm’s former finance director last month. named the current chief transformation officer, Johan Vandermeulen, as the new COO, who will help the boss with plans to ramp up investment in cigarette alternatives.
Vandermeluen has worked at BAT since 1992, and held a number of senior roles including general manager of BAT Belgium.
The company has also promoted Kingsley Wheaton to the role of chief strategy and growth officer, stepping into the role in September.
Wheaton previously served as chief marketing officer – he will work to drive to the group’s ESG agenda.
Other appoints under, Marroco new leadership include Luciano Comin, as marketing director, combustibles and new categories, paul McCrory, as director, corporate and regulatory affairs and James Barrett, as director, business development.
“This refreshed management board structure is critical to my commitment to build a progressive and agile organisation with a collaborative and inclusive culture, enabling simultaneous performance and transformation,” Marroco said.
“To that end, I am delighted to be welcoming David, Paul and James to the management board. They are all highly collaborative leaders who have the depth of experience to enable the continued strategic and cultural transformation of BAT.”
