BAT appoints Naidoo as MD

Kumbirai Tarusarira

Qualified Chartered Accountant with South Africa Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) Mr Kimesh Naidoo has been appointed as the British American Tobacco managing director.

Mr Naidoo has taken over from Clara Mlambo, who resigned as Managing Director of British American Tobacco Holdings Ltd (BAT) after a 21-year journey.

Given his experience, Naidoo is expected to maintain a hard-line stance in lobbying for policies that will address the company’s needs.

In a public notice to shareholders, the company secretary Pauline Kadembo informed shareholders that the new managing director will start work on October 22.

“Mr Kimesh Naidoo has been appointed as the managing director of British American Tobacco Zimbabwe holdings limited with effect from October 22, 2019.”

Mr Naidoo has over 11 years’ experience in cross functional management, financial management, audit, sales and distribution in the fast-moving consumer goods industry.

Before joining BAT Mr Naidoo was with AB InBev, South Africa’s premier brewer and an integral part of the social fabric of South Africa.

“Prior to joining the company Mr Naidoo was the director of Customer Interaction at the Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev) in South Africa where he also held various prior roles,” said the Company Secretary.

“The BAT board welcomes Mr Naidoo and looks forward to his contribution to the company,” she added.