Published: 04 December 2025

British American Tobacco Zimbabwe (BATZ) has announced the resignations of its managing director, Kenneth Gitonga, and finance director, Lucy Irungu, effective December 31, 2025, as the company accelerates its transformation agenda.

The departures follow a challenging 2024 financial year in which BATZ recorded a loss of US$7.1 million, a sharp decline from a profit of US$9.07 million the previous year. The downturn was attributed to a 23% drop in revenue and a 10% increase in monetary loss from hyperinflationary adjustments. However, the company returned to profitability in its half-year results for June 2025, posting a profit after tax of US$4.33 million, up from a prior-year loss of US$12.84 million.

Rumbidzai Hondora and Tumisang Lebogang have been appointed as Gitonga's and Irungu's successors, respectively, effective January 1, 2026. BATZ described Gitonga as instrumental in navigating a dynamic operating environment, building talent, and strengthening organisational culture. Irungu was credited with delivering financial leadership, enhancing liquidity and risk management, and ensuring long-term sustainability.

Hondora brings extensive regional experience, having held leadership roles across BAT East and Southern Africa, including as regional manager for BAT South Africa and head of business development in Mozambique. Lebogang previously served as corporate finance manager for BATZ, overseeing strategic and financial planning, reporting, and capital management.

BATZ stated that the leadership changes are part of broader structural optimisation and transformation initiatives aimed at reinforcing business resilience and delivering sustained value. Key achievements over the past 18 months include dual currency billing, smart pricing strategies, market expansion in peri-urban and rural areas, portfolio optimisation, process automation, supply chain efficiencies, and the publication of the company's first sustainability report.

The firm also highlighted its economic contribution, noting that in 2024, BATZ injected US$34.7 million into the economy through taxes, climate action, wages, and community support.

BATZ said the leadership adjustments aim to "turbocharge the company's strategic evolution" and position it for long-term growth in a dynamic market.
- newsday

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