Rizla hires chief to reignite brand

Rizla, the cigarette paper supplier is recruiting a former Roth- mans executive as sales and marketing director. He will spearhead a high-profile marketing campaign.

Graham Bolt, formerly an account controller at Rothmans, replaces Chris Gaunt who left in June to “pursue other business interests”.

Bolt will also oversee the appointment of an above-the-line advertising agency, although he says no shortlist has been drawn up yet. He will not confirm the advertising budget.

“The Rizla brand has been dormant for a number of years, yet it is one of the most recognised trade marks for cigarette papers in the world,” comments Bolt. He adds that the new advertising campaign “will not be a one-off, but will be built up over three years”.

Bolt’s marketing department will be run by Lisa Davies-Evans, who has been appoint ed to the new role of marketing controller.

Davies-Evans joins from Sainsbury, where she worked for six years. Her post has been created following the departure of marketing services manager Adrian Gower, who left in March.

Rizla is also appointing Mike Love of Philip Morris as national account controller and promoting Bob Atkinson to business development manager.