Former tobacco firm Imperial Brands has appointed Stefan Bomhard as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective at a date to be announced.
Bomhard will join from car dealership group Inchcape, where he has been Chief Executive for around five years.
Imperial Brands CEO
Thérèse Esperdy, Chair of the Board said: “After a thorough search process, which attracted strong, high calibre interest, the Board is delighted to appoint Stefan as Chief Executive of Imperial Brands.
“Stefan has significant experience across multiple consumer sectors and within large multinational organisations, particularly in brand building and consumer-led sales and marketing.
“He has demonstrated strong strategic and operational leadership and has developed a track record of delivering successful transformational change during his tenure at Inchcape.
“Stefan takes on the Chief Executive role at a significant point in Imperial’s development and the Board is confident that his experience and expertise will drive the business forward.
“Stefan’s initial priorities will be to strengthen performance and enhance shareholder value.”
Bomhard said: “I’m delighted to be joining Imperial as the next Chief Executive.
“I believe the business has a great future and I’m looking forward to working with the group’s employees to maximise the opportunities that lie ahead and build a stronger, more sustainable business.”
Stefan has a PhD in marketing and has accrued significant experience in the consumer and retail sectors during his career.
He served as Chief Commercial Officer of Cadbury after being Chief Operating Officer of Unilever Food Solutions Europe.