BAT appoints HR vet into new chief people officer role

British American Tobacco has appointed a chief people officer to its management board, as it hopes to improve the culture and collaboration within the tobacco company.

Cora Koppe-Stahrenberg, formerly head of HR at Germany-listed healthcare giant Fresenius Medical Care, will join the company in this new role on 1 November.

Koppe-Stahrenberg has also held senior HR positions at Marsh & McLennan Companies, Emirates Investment Authority, and General Electric.

"I am delighted to welcome Cora to the management board," said chief executive Tadeu Marroco. "This is a significant management team enhancing appointment for BAT. Culture and collaboration are at the heart of my leadership agenda, Cora shares these values and will play a key role in the group's transformation to build A Better Tomorrow.

"I have no doubt that Cora will bring a fresh perspective having worked internationally in multiple sectors outside our industry and will bring new insights and capability to our management team."