British American Tobacco is the world s second largest quoted tobacco group. With more than 300 brands in our portfolio,we make the cigarette chosen by one in seven of the world s one billion adult smokers. We hold robust market positions in each of our regions and have leadership in more than 50 of the 180 markets where we do business. The Group has 87 factories in 66 countries,processing some 660 million kilos of leaf and producing some 792 billion cigarettes in 2003.
Our companies,including associated companies,employ more than 85,000 people worldwide.
The figures provide some sense of the scale of our organisation,but like any company,we are much more than a set of statistics. What characteristics and qualities do we feel help to define our company? We have not sustained a significant global business presence for over 100 years by accident. By 1912,just a decade after our business was founded,we had become one of the world s top dozen companies by market capitalisation. We believe we retain many of the qualities that put us in that league table so soon after starting out. We are committed to building value for our shareholders,and we believe there is real value embedded not only in how we run our business but in how a company is put together;in its ability to see the world as it really is;in it's ability to pick and retain talent;to build relationships of trust with consumers,suppliers,distributors and partners,and to manage high quality brands. Perhaps above all in today s economy,there is particular strength in the ability to root local businesses in a vast range of different cultures around the globe. Guiding principles Our Guiding Principles describe key characteristics of our organisation,which we aim to nurture.
Strength from Diversity reflects the cultural mix within the Group and a working environment where employees individual differences are respected and enjoyed. It also reflects our aim of harnessing diversity - of people,cultures,viewpoints,brands,markets and ideas - to create opportunities and strengthen performance.
Open Minded reflects openness to change,opportunities and new ideas,including ways of addressing regulatory issues and the changing expectations in society. We seek to be active listeners,genuinely considering others viewpoints and not prejudging.
Freedom through Responsibility reflects the devolved nature of the Group and our belief that decisions should be taken throughout the organisation at the appropriate level,as close to the consumer as possible,and that decision makers should accept responsibility for their decisions.
Enterprising Spirit has been a characteristic of our business through a century of operations. It is reflected in our ability to grow our business and its value within many challenging environments,through the confidence to seek out opportunities for success,to strive for innovation and to accept considered risk-taking as part of our way of working.
The flexibility,new thinking,financial strength and long term vision that has given us sticking power for a century will continue to drive us forward in search of continuing success.
We believe that people stay with us because they have a passion for the business. They are excited about the opportunities to make the most of their talents and skills. But most importantly,they derive personal fulfilment from what they do.
We're looking for people who can generate ideas to build truly competitive advantage and who can continue to help make our company outstanding.
