British American Tobacco PLC (LSE:BATS) has hired Soraya Benchikh as its new chief financial officer, according to a statement.
Benchikh, who has been the president of beverage brand Diageo PLC (LSE:DGE) since January, will join the tobacco company and its board in May 2024.
She previously worked for the tobacco company for two decades before joining Diageo in July 2020, becoming president of the drinks company in January 2023.
In her previous roles at British American Tobacco, she served as regional finance director for Europe, president of its French business, and area director for East and Southern Africa, having also held finance roles at General Electric (NYSE:GE) and Gillette.
The tobacco company’s existing CFO Javed Iqbal will continue to serve as interim finance director until the end of April, the company said.
"Following the recent appointment of Dr Cora Koppe-Stahrenberg as Chief People Officer, Soraya’s appointment is also a further important step towards building a modern organisation,” said BAT PLC's Chief Executive Officer Tadeu Marroco.