Hayward to head BAT Korea

British American Tobacco (BAT) Korea has appointed Tony Hayward as its new CEO effective Tuesday, reports The Korea Times.

He replaces Erik Stoel who has left to head the tobacco maker’s operations in Malaysia

A British national, Hayward joined BAT in 1999 as a financial accounting manager in the company’s Southampton, U.K., factory. In 2001, he became the firm’s Africa financial manager. During his time at BAT, he has covered numerous markets, including Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Romania and Poland.

“I am honored to have been given the opportunity to have a fresh start at BAT Korea after acquiring valuable experience through working with talented employees while traveling across the world,” Hayward said.

“BAT Korea, including the Sacheon factory, is considered a strategically important market in our group. I will devote myself to strengthening BAT Korea’s capabilities as a Korea’s market leader and nurture it into a key hub for the global tobacco market.”

Founded in 1990, BAT Korea offers key brands such as Dunhill, Rothmans and Kent. The company employs about 600 people.