Reynolds announces new CFO

Reynolds American Executive Vice President Andrew D. Gilchrist will become executive vice president and chief financial officer effective March 1, 2015.

Gilchrist’s upcoming promotion was approved by the RAI board of directors at its meeting on Dec. 4.

Thomas R. Adams, the company’s current executive vice president and CFO, will begin transitioning the CFO role to Gilchrist in January, ensuring a smooth transition for Gilchrist as he steps into the role in March. Thereafter, Adams plans to retire from RAI.

Adams, 64, has served as RAI’s CFO since 2008, and also serves as chief information officer of RAI Services Co. Gilchrist will assume that responsibility as well in March.

Gilchrist, 42, served as president and chief commercial officer of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. from January 2011 until October 2014. Prior to that, Gilchrist served as executive vice president and CFO of R.J. Reynolds and chief information officer of RAI Services Co. He joined Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corp. in 1997, and held a number of management positions at both Brown & Williamson and British American Tobacco before joining Reynolds American and its operating companies as part of the business combination in 2004.

Adams joined R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Holdings in 1999 as senior vice president and controller. He held a number of executive positions at RAI and its subsidiaries before becoming CFO in 2008. Before joining Reynolds, Adams was a partner at the accounting firm Deloitte & Touche.

“Andrew is well-prepared to assume the role of CFO for our company,” said Susan M. Cameron, RAI’s president and chief executive officer. “He has both a strong financial and commercial background, and will be uniquely able to transition smoothly into Tom’s current role.