Richard Burrows joined the Board of British American Tobacco p.l.c. as a Non-Executive Director in September 2009 and became Chairman in November 2009. He is also Chairman of the Nominations Committee.
Richard brings considerable consumer goods and international business experience to the Board. His executive career has been with Irish Distillers, where he was Chief Executive from 1978 – 2000, and at Pernod Ricard, where he was Co-Chief Executive from 2000 – 2005, based in Paris. Prior to joining the Board, Richard was Governor of the Bank of Ireland.
He is currently Chairman of Craven House Capital plc and holds non-executive roles at Rentokil Initial plc and Carlsberg A/S.
He served as President of the Irish Business and Employers Confederation from 1998 – 2000, as Chairman of the National Development Corporation from 1984 – 1988 and Chairman of the Scotch Whisky Association 2006 – 2007.
Richard, from Dublin, has four children. He is a keen rugby fan although his main passion is sailing.