RJ Reynolds takes on global marketing chief
Tobacco giant RJ Reynolds has appointed a global marketing chief following the decision to relocate its international headquarters to Geneva.
Tom McCoy becomes senior vice-president of marketing, sales and distribution for Tobacco International, which covers all markets outside the US.
He was formerly senior vice-president of external relations, based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He replaces David Beazley, who has moved to a role supporting Pierre de Labouchere, the president and chief executive of RJ Reynolds Tobacco International.
McCoy will report to Klaus Langner, president of the Western Europe, Americas and Africa region.
The Tobacco International division moved its corporate headquarters to Geneva in December, where it already operated regional offices. The US tobacco subsidiary of RJR Nabisco remains in Winston-Salem.
The company claims the move will enable its international headquarters and key operating units to work more closely together and will cut costs and increase efficiency.
Observers say the changes appear to be a response to the shrinking US tobacco market and the expansion of Eastern European, Soviet, Middle Eastern and African markets.
At the same time its UK operation is seeking a new marketing director to replace Kap Varma who left two months ago. The role covers brands Camel, More, Dorchester, and Dickens & Grant.
