Mike Nightingale, British American Tobacco’s (BAT) head of IR, is switching roles to become the company’s first chief sustainability officer amid a batch of senior appointments at the international tobacco group.
Nightingale, who has run IR for 10 years at BAT, will now report to chief growth officer Kingsley Wheaton, who is also taking up a newly created role.
Wheaton was previously chief marketing officer with responsibility for corporate affairs, but his post has been ‘redesignated’ to reflect the growing importance of ESG and sustainability, says the company in a statement.
With Nightingale moving on from IR, senior IR manager Victoria Buxton has been promoted to run the department. Buxton joined BAT in 2020 following several years as an equity analyst focused on consumer goods.
‘Delighted’
‘I am delighted that Mike has been appointed as our first chief sustainability officer,’ says Jack Bowles, chief executive of BAT, in a statement.
‘Sustainability and ESG have evolved substantially over recent years, and at pace. It’s clear that the regulatory requirements of ESG – notably in reporting – have grown tremendously. BAT has always been a sustainability pioneer – we published our first, industry-leading sustainability report in 2001 – and I am absolutely committed to that remaining the case.’
Nightingale will now lead BAT’s sustainability ‘thought leadership,’ says Bowles, adding that his IR experience helps make him suitable for this role.
‘Likewise, Victoria has an excellent track record, both as a consumer sector equity analyst and, more recently, as a senior member of Mike’s team,’ Bowles adds. ‘Her promotion is testament to her energy, commitment and drive.’
