British American Tobacco Plc, the second biggest cigarette maker in the world, said that Nicandro Durante would be its next chief executive officer after the retirement of current CEO Paul Adams. Mr. Adams is planning to retire at the end of February 2011. Nicandro Durante is currently working as the chief operating officer in BAT.

"Nicandro Durante will become chief executive of British American Tobacco Plc on the retirement of Paul Adams at the end of February 2011," said BAT in an official statement. BAT also said that Nicandro Durante will become chief executive designate on September 1, 2010 in anticipation of his new role as CEO.

The company also said that John Daly will become the next chief operating officer on September 1 this year, replacing Mr. Durante. Mr. Durante joined BAT in the year 1981. He has held senior roles in Africa and the Middle East, Brazil, U. K. and Hong Kong. He has held the role of director for Africa and the Middle East. BAT said that it is very delighted to have been able to choose such a strong and experienced internal candidate as chief executive. BAT also thanked Paul Adams for his successful tenure as chief executive of the company.