WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- Reynolds American Inc. (RAI) said that it is promoting executive vice president Andrew D. Gilchrist to executive vice president and chief financial officer effective March 1, 2015.
Thomas R. Adams, the company's current executive vice president and CFO, will begin transitioning the CFO role to Gilchrist in January, ensuring a smooth transition for Gilchrist as he steps into the role in March. Thereafter, Adams plans to retire from RAI.
Adams, 64, has served as RAI's CFO since 2008, and also serves as chief information officer of RAI Services Co. Gilchrist will assume that responsibility as well in March.
Gilchrist, 42, served as president and chief commercial officer of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. from January 2011 until October 2014. Prior to that, Gilchrist served as executive vice president and CFO of R.J. Reynolds and chief information officer of RAI Services Company. He joined Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corp. in 1997, and held a number of management positions at both Brown & Williamson and British American Tobacco before joining RAI and its operating companies as part of the business combination in 2004.
Adams joined R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Holdings Inc. in 1999 as senior vice president and controller. He held a number of executive positions at RAI and its subsidiaries before becoming CFO in 2008. Before joining Reynolds, Adams was a partner at the accounting firm of Deloitte & Touche LLP.
"Andrew is well-prepared to assume the role of CFO for our company," said Susan M. Cameron, RAI's president and chief executive officer. "He has both a strong financial and commercial background, and will be uniquely able to transition smoothly into Tom's current role."
She added, "On behalf of RAI and its shareholders, I want to thank Tom for his outstanding leadership and guidance, particularly during his seven years of service as our CFO. … We all wish him nothing but the best in his retirement."
Reynolds American, Winston-Salem, N.C., is the parent company of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co., the second-largest U.S. tobacco company with brands including Camel, Pall Mall, Winston, Kool, Doral, Salem, Misty and Capri; American Snuff Co. LLC, the nation's second-largest manufacturer of smokeless tobacco products, with brands including Grizzly and Kodiak; Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Co. Inc., which manufactures and markets Natural American Spirit 100% additive-free natural tobacco products; Niconovum USA Inc.; Niconovum AB, which market nicotine replacement therapy products in the United States and Sweden, respectively, under the Zonnic brand; and R.J. Reynolds Vapor Co., which makes and markets Vuse e-cigarettes.
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