BAT appoints MD for next generation products

Kingsley Wheaton, the British American Tobacco Group’s corporate and regulatory affairs director is due to become managing director, next generation products, with effect from January 1.

A note posted on BAT’s website said this new role would include leadership of ‘tobacco heating products’, which would be managed alongside the company’s emerging nicotine businesses. Wheaton has been with the company for 18 years and a member of the Management Board since 2012.

Meanwhile, Des Naughton, managing director of Nicoventures, is to leave BAT on February 28 to focus on new business opportunities.

Wheaton will be succeeded in his corporate and regulatory affairs role by Jerome (Jerry) Abelman, who is currently assistant general counsel, corporate and commercial, also with effect from January 1. Abelman has been with the BAT Group for 12 years.

The website note reported also that Neil Withington, group legal director and general counsel, was due to retire from the Management Board and leave the Group, as of April 30.

Following Withington’s departure from the business, the group’s legal and corporate and regulatory affairs functions would be integrated under Abelman’s leadership, the note said.