(Reuters) - Cigarette maker Imperial Brands Plc (L:IMB) on Monday appointed Stefan Bomhard as its chief executive officer, replacing Alison Cooper, as the industry faces a regulatory backlash against e-cigarettes and declining tobacco sales.
Bomhard will join Imperial from British car dealership Inchcape (L:INCH), where he held the top role for five years. The company said his joining date will be announced later, while Cooper, whose departure was announced last October, has stepped down effective immediately.
The maker of Davidoff cigarettes said its divisional director for Americas, Africa, Asia and Australasia Dominic Brisby will assume the role of joint interim CEO along with the divisional director of Europe, Joerg Biebernick.
"Stefan takes on the chief executive officer role at a significant point in Imperial's development," Chairwoman Thérèse Esperdy said. "Stefan has significant experience across multiple consumer sectors."
The company also announced Matthew Phillips has stepped down as chief development officer with immediate effect.