Reynolds American Names New Chief Executives

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- Reynolds American Inc. (RAI) appointed new chief executive officers for the company's Conwood Co. LLC and Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Co. Inc. subsidiaries. The current chief executives of those two subsidiaries plan to retire in 2009.

"Reynolds American is in a dynamic and exciting period of its history," Susan M. Ivey, chairman, president and CEO of Reynolds American, said in a statement. "As we further develop our business model of becoming a total tobacco company, we are fortunate to have two talented individuals with extensive industry experience ready to take on leadership roles at this pivotal time."

Bryan K. Stockdale, 50, was named president and CEO of Conwood, the nation's second-largest smokeless tobacco manufacturer, effective Feb. 1, 2009. Stockdale will succeed William M. Rosson, 60, who plans to retire after 34 years of service at Conwood. Stockdale is currently senior vice president of marketing operations for R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co., Reynolds American's largest subsidiary, and has worked for that company for 30 years. Rosson will remain with Conwood in an advisory role for a period of time after Stockdale joins the company to ensure a smooth transition.

Meanwhile, Nicholas A. Bumbacco, 44, was named president and CEO of Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Co., effective March 1, 2009. Bumbacco will replace Richard M. Sanders, 55, who plans to remain in an advisory transition position before retiring with 32 years of service on July 1, 2009. Bumbacco is currently president and CEO of RAI's R.J. Reynolds Global Products Inc. subsidiary and has 20 years of experience in the global tobacco industry. RAI will be transitioning the lines of business formerly managed by R.J. Reynolds Global Products to other RAI subsidiaries, so no successor to Bumbacco in his previous position will be named.

"Both Bill Rosson and Rick Sanders have distinguished themselves in their leadership of their respective companies, overseeing tremendous growth and expansion at both businesses," Ivey said. "We sincerely thank both of them for their decades-long commitment to their companies, their employees and their consumers."
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