Imperial Tobacco marketing chief steps down
Imperial Tobacco’s sales and marketing director Graham Bashill is to leave the company.
Bashill has been with Imperial Tobacco, which owns the Lambert & Butler, Richmond and Golden Virginia tobacco brands, for 42 years.
He will retire at the company’s AGM in February next year. A spokesman for Imperial Tobacco says Bashill will not be directly replaced.
Last month, the company appointed Roberto Funari as group marketing director.
As marketing and sales director, Bashill was responsible for evolving Imperial Tobacco’s strategic direction.
He has also held roles including commercial development manager and UK managing director.
Until he leaves the firm, Bashill will work alongside the Funari to drive Imperial Tobacco’s sustainable growth agenda.
Tobacco companies are facing stricter marketing regulations that could see a ban on brand names, logos and graphics appearing on cigarette packaging.
The Government is also considering options for the display of tobacco in stores as part of its strategy to reduce tobacco consumption.
