Respected business leader Lovemore Manatsa is set to retire as British American Tobacco (BAT) Zimbabwe chairman after serving for a decade in the position.
Manatsa is best known for his long tenure at the cigarette manufacturer where he served as managing director from 2008 to 2016, before his appointment as non-executive chairman.
His retirement is effective 30 June 2026.
Manatsa – who will remain on BAT’s board until 31 December 2026 – will be succeeded by Constantine Chikosi, with effect from 1 July 2026.
Chikosi – an independent director of Mauritius Commercial Bank Group Ltd – worked for the World Bank Group for over 19 years holding operational, management and strategy roles.
He led the opening of the World Bank Office in Mauritius where he assisted the government in developing policy responses to the 2008 global financial crisis, among other achievements.
A chartered management accountant, Chikosi also sits on the advisory board of Strand Hanson Ltd – a London-based investment bank.
The changes await shareholders’ approval at BAT’s annual general meeting scheduled for 30 April 2026. – TML