LONDON — British American Tobacco (BAT), the parent company of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co., will lay off 4% of its workforce, including 629 senior managers, Reuters reported.
On Sept. 12, London-based BAT and its new CEO, Jack Bowles, said the move to cut 2,300 jobs will eliminate duplication and consolidate business units.
In the United States, Winston-Salem, N.C.-based Reynolds sells the Camel brand and the No. 1 selling menthol cigarette, Newport. Through R.J. Reynolds Vapor Co., BAT sells the Vuse line of e-cigarettes.
BAT acquired Reynolds American Inc. (RAI), the overarching company above R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. and R.J. Reynolds Vapor Co., in 2017 for $49.4 billion.
In March, senior leadership at RAI Trade Marketing Services Co. (TMS), which supports RAI, made several high-level changes, announcing the retirement of four industry veterans.
Among those retiring in the coming months are Mike McHugh, area vice president of the Northeast sales area; Scott Steen, vice president of strategic accounts; Colin Uffindell, vice president of trade marketing development; and Dave Riser, vice president of trade marketing for external relations.
“In total, these four individuals represent over 138 years of combined experiences with this great company, and they will be missed,” said Mike Auger, president of Winston-Salem, N.C.-based RAI TMS, at the time. “The positive impact that these four outstanding leaders have had on our business, our brands and our customers over the years is nothing short of amazing, while their impact on me personally and the employees of RAI TMS has been even more profound.”
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