BAT CFO Unexpectedly Steps Down as Turnaround Takes Shape
A cigarette is automatically lit in a smoking machine at the British American Tobacco Plc research and development laboratories in Southampton, UK.
Photographer: Luke MacGregor/BloombergBritish American Tobacco Plc Chief Financial Officer Soraya Benchikh is stepping down with immediate effect after a little more than a year in the role.
The announcement comes as a surprise after the maker of Dunhill and Lucky Strike cigarettes said in July revenue would come in at the top end of its forecast range this year as turnaround efforts pay off. BAT’s performance was boosted by a jump in the number of users of its smokeless products, and a strong performance in the US including for its nicotine pouch brand, Velo.