'Future ready' | London-based tobacco giant cuts 5,500 jobs as AI transformation gathers pace

British American Tobacco (BAT) has announced plans affecting around a fifth of its global workforce outside the US, cutting 5,500 roles and transferring a further 3,500 to strategic partners as part of a major AI and technology-led transformation.

The London-headquartered tobacco company - which owns the Lucky Strike cigarette brand and Vuse vapes - said the changes form part of its Fit2Win programme, launched last year to create a business that is "more agile, cost disciplined and innovative". The roles being transferred include positions moving to professional services firm Accenture.

Chief executive Tadeu Marroco said: "We are building a future-ready organisation that is more agile, cost disciplined and technology enabled.

"Fit2Win is central to this ambition, strengthening how we operate and our ability to compete in a rapidly evolving environment.