BAT to name new chairman

British American Tobacco has recruited Richard Burrows, a former Bank of Ireland (BoI)chairman, to be its new chairman, The Sunday Times reported, without citing sources.

The newspaper said his appointment at the group, the world's second-biggest cigarette maker, in succession to Jan du Plessis, was expected to be confirmed this week.

It said the appointment could be controversial due to Burrows' prior role at BoI, which was badly hit during the financial crisis.

A spokeswoman for BAT declined to comment.

Du Plessis is stepping down after five years following his appointment as chairman of global miner Rio Tinto.

In July, BAT beat forecasts with a 25 percent rise in first-half earnings and predicted strong full-year growth.