British American Tobacco will lay off 5,500 employees and will move 3,500 positions to foreign companies, affecting 9,000 jobs.

The multinational tobacco producer British American Tobacco (BAT) announced in a statement that it will lay off 5,500 employees and transfer 3,500 positions to external firms, including Accenture, which will affect a total of 9,000 jobs. The layoffs do not apply in the United States, the company's largest market.

The changes have been discussed with employees, and the remaining consultations are taking place in accordance with local regulations. By 2028, the cost-cutting program could generate annual savings of 600 million pounds. In Romania, BAT reported a turnover of 5 billion lei in 2025, an increase of 5%, but with a declining net profit.

The company paid over 11.5 billion lei in taxes and excise duties in 2024, significantly contributing to the local economy. BAT Romania is pursuing a reorganization to become more efficient, committing to remain in the Romanian market. Additionally, Dragoș Constantinescu has been appointed CFO and Executive Director of the group starting September 1, 2026.