British American Tobacco PLC said Wednesday that Richard Burrows, a former governor of the Bank of Ireland, will become the company's new chairman later this year.

BAT is the controlling shareholders in Jamaica's Carreras Limited.

Burrows, 63, will replace Jan du Plessis, who is stepping down after he took up a similar role with Anglo-Australian miner Rio Tinto PLC.

BAT - the world's second largest cigarette producer, best known for its Lucky Strike and Dunhill cigarette brands - said that Burrows will take up a post as a non-executive director in September and formally become chairman in November.

Last month, the group reported a 16 per cent rise in first half profits from last year to £1.45 billion . It reported growth in markets including Pakistan, Bangladesh and South Korea.

Burrows served as governor of the Bank of Ireland from 2005 until last month. He resigned in May after apologising for a slump in the bank's profits amid the global financial crisis.

The business veteran spent much of his career in the alcoholic drinks industry, and was chief executive of Irish Distillers - makers of Jameson Irish Whiskey - for 22 years.

Nick Scheele, BAT's senior independent director, said that Burrows had a strong record in international business and a "proven ability to work with a team from various cultures and countries."

- AP

Campbell named head of HL audit committee

Courtney Campbell has been appointed to the audit committee of Hardware and Lumber Limited, replacing Joseph Taffe, the company said.

The appointment took effect August 5.

Taffe stepped down from the committee after he was named acting CEO of Hardware and Lumber, consequent on the resignation of the company's former head Anthony Holness.