Crew jumps RAI ship

Debra Crew, the president and CEO of Reynolds American Inc is due to leave the company at the end of the year to ‘pursue other opportunities outside the company’, according to a note on the website of British American Tobacco, which acquired RAI earlier this year.

Ricardo Oberlander, who is currently regional director for BAT’s Americas region, is due to be succeed Crew.

At the same time, BAT announced that Kingsley Wheaton, who was previously MD, next generation products, would become regional director for the company’s Americas and Sub Saharan Africa (AMSSA) region, replacing Oberlander.

“We have appreciated the drive and leadership that Debra has brought to Reynolds American – both during our 42 percent shareholding period before the acquisition and since, when she has been instrumental in helping to ensure a smooth transition post-completion,” BAT’s chief executive, Nicandro Durante, was quoted as saying. “I would like to thank her for her leadership; for leaving the Reynolds businesses in such fantastic shape and for the significant progress that has been made in integrating the two companies in the second half of 2017…”