Former BOI governor to chair tobacco giant

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 chairman 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.

“I am delighted to have been given such an exciting opportunity at such a world class company," Burrows said.

"I look forward to working with my new colleagues on the Board and getting to know the rest of the executive team."

BAT manufactures a range of cigarettes and tobacco products with brands including Dunhill, Lucky Strike and Pall Mall. Last month it posted a 25% rise in H1 earnings and predicted full-year growth.