BAT Bangladesh is getting first woman MD

Manisha Abraham is replacing Shehzad Munim as the Managing Director (MD) of British American Tobacco (BAT) Bangladesh for the first time.

Manisha, an Indian citizen, will assume her new duties from July 1.

In a press release, BAT said that she is going to be the first woman managing director in the 114-year history of BAT in Bangladesh.

Manisha has nearly 30 years of extensive experience in marketing and general management across sectors including FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods) and Tobacco.

He has been a Non-Executive Director on the Board of Directors of BAT Bangladesh since March last year.

Manisha joins BAT Bangladesh from Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC, part of the BAT Group.

He served as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in Ceylon Tobacco Company.

During his career, he has worked in various important positions in several countries in Asia Pacific, Africa, Middle East and Europe.

Before starting her career in Abu Dhabi in 1995, Manisha completed B.Com from Jyoti Nivas College, India and MBA in Marketing and Finance from Birla Institute of Technology.

Expressing her excitement about this new responsibility in a message, Manisha Abraham said, “I am extremely happy to be trusted to lead an organization (BAT Bangladesh) that has a rich tradition of success and positive impact in working in the region for 114 years.

“I am committed to advance the growth journey of BAT Bangladesh and uphold the institution’s status with utmost integrity. This institution is in a strong position as one of the highest taxpayers in the country and a partner in achieving the government’s sustainable development goals. I look forward to utilizing my skills and experience to take the organization forward to ensure a promising future for all.”

Outgoing Managing Director Shehzad Munim joined BAT Bangladesh in 1997 as Territory Officer.

In 2013, he became the first Bangladeshi managing director of the company.