Imperial Brands PLC has announced the appointment of John Rishton as a Non-executive director and chair designate. He will succeed Thérèse Esperdy as chair on 1 December 2026, when she retires from the board.

Rishton is currently chair of Informa PLC and a non-executive director of Diageo PLC, with significant board and executive leadership experience across diverse industries and a reputation for guiding complex transformations. He served as chair of Serco Group PLC between 2021 and 2025 and was a non-executive director of Unilever PLC and Allied Domecq PLC.

Rishton’s previous executive positions include chief executive of Rolls-Royce Group PLC from 2011 to 2015 (having been a non-executive director since 2007), chief financial officer and then chief executive and president of Royal Ahold NV and chief financial officer of British Airways PLC.

Sue Clark, senior independent director, led the succession process. She thanked Thérèse Esperdy for her “outstanding contribution” and said: “The board is delighted to appoint an exceptional candidate as chair. John has impressive experience of senior non-executive roles and complex, highly regulated, international businesses. His deep understanding of transformation and sectors experiencing strategic shifts will be invaluable as he leads the Imperial Brands Board.”