BRITISH American Tobacco (M) Bhd has appointed Anthony Yong Mun Seng as its finance director, reflecting its commitment to build a senior leadership team with at least 70% Malaysians by 2025.
Yong, 49, will be taking over from Ignacio Ballester who has opted to take up a position with British American Tobacco plc (BAT plc Group). His appointment came into effect yesterday (Nov 1).
During his tenure in BAT Malaysia from Dec 9, 2019 to Oct 31 this year, Ballester played a key role in developing the business through a challenging period, providing valuable commercial leadership and contributing to the strategy that significantly improved the company’s financial results across all key metrics.
“On behalf of the BAT Malaysia board, we thank Ballester for his leadership and accomplishments during his tenure as finance director,” commented BAT Malaysia’s chairman Tan Sri Aseh Che Mat. “We have seen a significant business turnaround under his leadership and wish him the very best in his next appointment.”
As for Yong, Aseh expressed hope that his wealth of experience and skill-set will be an invaluable asset to BAT Malaysia.
“His appointment reaffirms our commitment to build A Better Tomorrow which includes creating a dynamic workplace that is diverse and inclusive,” Aseh pointed out in a media statement.
“We are particularly pleased to bring to the team the first Malaysian finance director as we work towards building a Malaysian-majority senior leadership team. In addition to his leadership capabilities, we will also be looking to Yong’s local and global experience to help us deliver our corporate purpose in Malaysia.”
Prior to his appointment, Yong was the corporate finance controller of British American Tobacco South East Asia since 2017. He has a broad international background, having served as chief financial officer and in other senior roles with responsibility for finance, strategy and transformation around Asia and Europe.
Yong joined British American Tobacco Asia Pacific in 2000 as regional finance manager after eight years in KPMG.
He was also the finance director of British American Tobacco Bangladesh (2011-2014), head of finance of British American Tobacco Switzerland (2008-2011), head of marketing finance of BAT Malaysia (2006-2008) and head of corporate planning/corporate finance of BAT Malaysia (2005-2006). – Nov 2, 2021
