Stefan Bomhard to retire as CEO of Imperial Brands PLC

On May 14th, Imperial Tobacco announced that its CEO Stefan Bomhard plans to retire on October 1st, 2025. The current Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Lukas Paravicini, will take over as CEO. Stefan will continue to serve as a member of the company’s board of directors until December 31, 2025, and may assist Lukas in completing transition work until May 2026.

Top management changes:

Imperial Tobacco announced that CEO Stefan Bomhard will retire on October 1, 2025, and will be succeeded by current CFO Lukas Paravicini.

Management adjustment:

Murray McGowan will replace Lucas as CFO and join the board of directors on October 1, 2025.

Strategic background:

Stefan has driven the strengthening of the company’s tobacco business, the construction of next-generation product platforms, and created significant returns for shareholders during his tenure

In addition, Murray McGowan, Chief Strategy and Development Officer of Imperial Brand, will replace Lucas as CFO and become a member of the board of directors on October 1, 2025.

Stefan Bomhard said: “With the team now preparing to implement our 2030 strategy, it feels like an appropriate time to hand on the baton to Lukas and Murray. In the coming months, I look forward to supporting them as they transition into their new roles. I would like to thank all the people of Imperial Brands. The strengthening of our business has been very much a team effort.”

The remuneration packages for Lukas and Murray will be structured in accordance with the company’s existing remuneration policy to be approved by shareholders at the 2024 Annual General Meeting. Further information will be provided in the 2025 Directors’ Remuneration Report. At their appointments, Lukas will receive an annual salary of £1.4 million and Murray will receive an annual salary of £775,000.