Professional Role and Responsibilities
Jean-Pierre Andre Cussac, born April 1, 1969 (age 56), is currently serving as the Interim Group Head of Information & Digital Technology (IDT) and Group Chief Information Officer (CIO) at British American Tobacco (BAT). His professional focus is on leading BAT's digital transformation, applying technology and new operational models to unlock commercial value across the organization, and driving enterprise-wide digital innovation initiatives. He is actively involved in the BOOST Transformation programme, which represents a significant component of BAT’s ongoing efforts to transition and modernize its IT and digital technology capabilities.
He has held senior roles at BAT since at least 2014, joining the Management Board in that year, and ascended to the position of the Group Chief Operating Officer on July 1, 2023. His leadership is pivotal to accelerating the company's enterprise transformation, including the deployment of new digital capabilities, and the digital enablement of BAT’s portfolio shift towards smokeless and reduced-risk products.
Board and Corporate Governance Roles
Jean-Pierre Cussac is a Director of British American Shared Services (GSD) Limited, a key BAT subsidiary focused on IT shared services, a role he has occupied since January 31, 2017. This entity operates within the computer programming, consultancy, and IT services industry, providing critical support functions for the wider BAT group. British American Shared Services underpin BAT's global technology infrastructure and operations, critical for enabling the transformation and growth strategies set at the Group level.
He previously served as a director of British American Tobacco UK Limited (now retired from this role since 2017), a company involved primarily in wholesale trade of tobacco products with an operational turnover reported at approximately £219 million during his tenure.
Education and Background
Jean-Pierre Cussac is educated at INSEAD, a leading global business school, underpinning his capabilities in managing complex global technology and transformation initiatives. His nationality is French, and he works primarily from BAT’s London-based headquarters in Westminster (Somerset House district).
Key Achievements and Industry Impact
- Spearheading digital transformation initiatives such as Project Next (BAT’s route-to-market transformation) and the BOOST programme, which has delivered substantial progress in operational efficiency and technological upgrades.
- Oversaw BAT receiving the SAP Advanced Customer Center of Expertise (ACCOE) certification in 2017 and multiple SAP-related awards, including the 2016 SAP Gold Winner for best CCOE overall, underscoring excellence in digital and ERP transformation leadership.
- Integral to BAT’s strategic pivot to a smokeless future, supporting the company’s purpose of migrating consumers from cigarettes to less harmful alternatives through technology-driven solutions.
Strategic Context and Company Performance
BAT is undergoing substantial transformation to become a predominant manufacturer of "smoke-free" nicotine products, targeting that over 50% of revenues will come from non-combustible categories by 2035. The company reported generating £7.9 billion free cash flow in 2024, indicative of robust financial delivery during this transition. Cussac’s role aligns closely with these strategic goals by enabling the digital and operational capabilities required to support innovative product launch and efficient market delivery.
BAT continues to invest heavily in technology innovation, opening a £30 million Innovation Centre in Southampton in 2024, a facility aimed at accelerating research and product development. This move is supported by digital infrastructure enhancements under Cussac’s oversight.
Related Key BAT Executives and Collaborators
- David Patrick Ian Booth, another senior BAT executive with multiple directorships, plays significant roles in BAT’s finance entities and global holdings.
- Syed Javed Iqbal and David Stephen Waterfield are other notable BAT directors involved in BAT’s UK and shared services businesses, indicating a collaborative executive environment at the heart of BAT’s operational leadership.
Summary of Relevant Figures
- Age: 56 years
- Nationality: French
- Location: London, United Kingdom
- Key Positions: Interim Group Head of Information & Digital Technology, Group CIO, Director at British American Shared Services (GSD) Limited
- Directorships: Active since 2017 in BAT-related entities
- Education: INSEAD
- Industry Focus: Digital Transformation, Technology Delivery, IT Shared Services in Tobacco and Smokeless Products Sector
- Company Financials (related entities during tenure): British American Tobacco UK Limited turnover approx. £219 million (retired directorship in 2017); British American Shared Services Limited valuation approx. £1.6 billion
This detailed profile of Jean-Pierre Cussac underscores his critical role in driving BAT’s technology strategy and transformation agenda, supporting the company’s shift toward innovative smokeless product offerings, and enabling scalable digital capabilities to sustain long-term competitive advantage.
