Appointment

British American Tobacco PLC
18 June 2001


FINANCE DIRECTOR

Paul Rayner is joining the Management Board of British American Tobacco as
Finance Director designate. He will become Finance Director of British
American Tobacco plc on the retirement of Keith Dunt from the Board on 31
December 2001.

Paul Rayner (47) joined British American Tobacco as Chief Operating Officer at
British American Tobacco Australasia Limited, following the merger with
Rothmans in 1999. Prior to the merger, he was General Manager of Rothmans of
Pall Mall (Australia) Limited, having previously been Executive Director -
Finance and Corporate Services. Rothmans Australia was a public company, as
was British American Tobacco Australasia, until the 41 per cent minority was
bought out in May 2001. Paul joined Rothmans in 1991, following a career
spanning a number of roles in the Elders Group.

Commenting on the appointment, Martin Broughton, Chairman of British American
Tobacco, said: 'Keith had told me last year that he wished to retire before
reaching the age of 55 and, after 27 years with the Group, he is certainly
entitled to do that. As Paul Adams is succeeding Ulrich Herter as Managing
Director on 1 January, 2002, it is sensible to make this change at the same
time, so that the two Pauls can share the responsibility for developing our
2002/3 plans, as well as the commitment to delivering them.

'Keith has made a tremendous contribution to the Board and to the financial
efficiency with which we operate. I wish him a long, happy and contented
retirement and welcome Paul Rayner most warmly to the Board as a worthy
successor.'

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