The Main Board is responsible to the shareholders for the success of the Group and for its overall strategic direction and governance.
At least half the Main Board, excluding the Chairman, is comprised of Non-Executive Directors who are independent - they are free from any business or other relationships which could materially interfere with or appear to affect the exercise of their judgement and have not been previously involved in the management of the Group.

Richard Burrows joined the Board of British American Tobacco p.l.c. as a Non-Executive Director in September 2009 and became Chairman on 1 November 2009.

Nicandro Durante became Chief Executive of the Group in March 2011.

Ben Stevens was appointed Finance Director in April 2008. In September 2010 he took on the additional role of Chief Information Officer.

John Daly joined the Board as Chief Operating Office in September 2010.

Ann Godbehere was appointed to the Board of British American Tobacco p.l.c. as a Non-Executive Director in October 2011.

Christine Morin-Postel was appointed to the Board of British American Tobacco p.l.c. as a Non-Executive Director in October 2007.

Dr. Gerry Murphy was appointed a Non-Executive Director of British American Tobacco p.l.c. in March 2009.

Kieran Poynter was appointed a Non-Executive Director of British American Tobacco p.l.c. in July 2010.

Anthony Ruys was appointed to the Board of British American Tobacco p.l.c. as a Non-Executive Director in March 2006.

Karen de Segundo was appointed to the Board of British American Tobacco p.l.c. as a Non-Executive Director in October 2007.

Brigadier General (retired) Dr Richard Tubb was appointed to the Board of British American Tobacco p.l.c. as a Non-Executive Director in January 2013.