Melvin Ruigrok, who managed Imperial Tobacco’s Australian operations during the introduction of plain packaging in that country, is the new general manager for the UK and Ireland, the cigarette company said.

Ruigrok assumed the position effective 27 Jan. Media reports on the transfer have speculated Ruigrok was brought to the UK to prepare for a possible government decision to join Australia in mandating uniform packaging for many tobacco products. Ireland has announced it is preparing plain pack legislation.