Richard Burrows former Bank of Ireland governor to become chairman of BAT..

August 19, 2009 - Former Bank of Ireland governor Richard Burrows is to become chairman of global tobacco giant British American Tobacco (BAT), it was announced today. Burrows has been appointed a Non-Executive Director at BAT from September 1 and will become ²chairman on November 1, when Jan du Plessis steps down to take up the chairmanship at Rio Tinto.

Burrows was governor of the Bank of Ireland from 2005 until July of this year.
He was chief executive of Irish Distillers from 1978 to 2000, and co-chief executive at Pernod Ricard SA from 2000 to 2005.

He served as president of the Irish Business and Employers Confederation from 1998 to 2000, as chairman of the National Development Corporation from 1984 to 1988 and chairman of the Scotch Whisky Association from 2006 to 2007.

Burrows: “I am delighted to have been given such an exciting opportunity at such a world class company. I look forward to working with my new colleagues on the Board and getting to know the rest of the executive team."

British American Tobacco plc, the world's second biggest cigarette maker, is a holding company that owns, directly or indirectly, investments in the numerous companies constituting the British American Tobacco Group of companies. The Company is an international tobacco company, with its brands sold in over 180 markets. Its four Global Drive Brands include Dunhill, Kent, Lucky Strike and Pall Mall. The Company operates in Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East, and America-Pacific

References: Former BOI governor to chair tobacco giant, BreakingNews.iol.ie, 8/19/2009; Appointment of Chairman, British American Tobacco, 8/19/2009.

² The BAT chair is a nonexecutive position, but a higher-profile role than at other similar sized companies. Mr. du Plessis took responsibility for commenting on any political issues - such as anti-smoking legislation - leaving Chief Executive Paul Adams to concentrate on operational matters. Mr. Burrows will be paid an annual salary of 525,000 pounds (865,846.99USD) and will work a two-day week for BAT. (Tobacco Maker Names Chairman by Anita Likus and Michael Carolan, The Wall Street Journal, 8/20/2008 - print copy)