China expert joins BAT board

Savio Kwan has joined the board of British American Tobacco as a nonexecutive director.

During his extensive career, Kwan, who was said in a note posted on BAT’s website to have “significant business experience of Greater China and Asia,” has worked “broadly in technology for General Electric, BTR PLC and Alibaba Group, China’s largest internet business, where he was chief operating officer and later, a nonexecutive director.” He is a founding partner and CEO of A&K Consulting Co. Ltd., advising entrepreneurs about start-up businesses in China.

Born in Hong Kong, Kwan speaks fluent Mandarin and English. His international career has seen him live in China, the U.S., Singapore and the U.K. He is a visiting professor at Henley   Business School, U.K., and a regular lecturer on Chinese business strategy and leadership.

“I warmly welcome Savio to the board of British American Tobacco,” said chairman Richard Burrows. “I have no doubt he will bring his profound commercial approach, international orientation and deep knowledge of China and Asia to bear, further strengthening British American Tobacco and the board.”