BAT Malaysia gets new managing director

British American Tobacco (Malaysia) Bhd has appointed Russell Scott Cameron as managing director with effect from August 1, 2002. Cameron will have responsibility for steering the strategic direction of the business and its overall performance. BAT Malaysia controls 70% of the market in Malaysia.

The company was formed in November 1999 as a result of the merger of Rothmans of Pall Mall (Malaysia) and Malaysian Tobacco Company. With 1,300 employees, the KLSE-listed company manufactures and markets some of the leading international brands such as Dunhill, Kent and Benson & Hedges. BAT Malaysia is 50% owned by BAT.

Cameron's association with BAT dates back to 1979 when he joined the company as a marketing trainee. He was appointed marketing director for Singapore in 1990 and for Malaysia in 1992. In 1994 he became regional marketing manager in the UK before being appointed as regional manager for Asia-Pacific in 1996.

Following the merger of the two companies, Cameron was appointed as area director for Asia-Pacific (North) in December 1999. Prior to that he had also served as CEO of Malaysian Tobacco Company from October 1997.