British American Tobacco (BAT) Kenya announced the appointment of Beverley Spencer-Obatoyinbo as managing director to replace Keith Gretton, who will retire in May after 29 years at the company.

Obatoyinbo has been with BAT since 1996 and has held various senior posts in Africa, Europe and the Middle East. Gretton’s resignation will take effect on 1 May and Obatoyinbo will assume her new post the following day, the cigarette maker said.