Board Update

Following the announcement that Ken Burnett retired as a Non-Executive Director at the conclusion of our 2016 AGM yesterday, Imperial Tobacco Group PLC is pleased to announce the appointment of Steven Stanbrook as an independent Non-Executive Director of the Company.

Steven will join the Board on 8 February 2016 and will also be a member of the Audit, Remuneration and Succession & Nominations Committees.

Steven has extensive senior executive international experience gained in a number of FMCG companies, including in the USA with SC Johnson & Sons Inc, where he spent over 18 years with the global consumer product manufacturer. Previously, Steven held senior positions at Compuserve Corp and Sara Lee Corporation. He is also a former Non-Executive Director of Chiquita Brands International, Inc. and Hewitt Associates.

Chairman Mark Williamson said: "I'm delighted to welcome Steven to the Board. He brings a wealth of skills and expertise and we are particularly pleased to be able to draw on his experience of the USA as we focus on maximizing opportunities for ITG Brands.

'I would also like to thank Ken for the significant contribution he made to the Board over the past nine years and to wish him all the very best for the future."

T M Williams

Deputy Company Secretary

Telephone 0117 933 7410

Copies of our announcements are available on our website:  www.imperial-tobacco.com