British American Tobacco Cameroun Appoints Dr. Elias Pungong as Non-Executive Board chairman.

Information obtained from the notice, described Dr. Elias Pungong, as a globally recognised statesman has established himself as a distinguished advisor in leadership and governance, particularly within the African energy sector. "He brings an unparalleled depth of expertise and visionary leadership to BAT Cameroun" part of the notice read.  

The experience of the appointee as a Senior Partner and Oil and Gas Leader for Africa with Ernst & Young and PriceWaterhouseCoopers, along with his collaborations with leading global corporations such as Shell, Exxon, and Total, has endowed him with profound insights into corporate transformation and sustainable development. His strategic guidance has been instrumental in promoting regulatory and fiscal frameworks that balance environmental protection with foreign investment in Africa and also earned him international recognition by the World Economic Forum in the commonwealth.

As the Chairman of BATC’s NeB, Dr. Pungong will leverage his vast experience and deep commitment to provide strategic guidance to advancing the company’s continued success and dedication in the dynamic and evolving market.

Speaking on his appointment, Yarub Al Bahrani, Managing Director, BAT West and Central Africa, said,” We are delighted to welcome Dr. Pungong to chair our Non-executive Board Board. His profound expertise, particularly in the areas of energy, governance, and sustainable development will help us strengthen our commitment and enhance our impact in the Cameroon community”. Yarub noted.

Commenting on his appointment, Dr Elias Pungong, expressed his excitement, stating, “I am honoured to take on the role of the Non-executive Board’s Chairman at BAT Cameroun. This opportunity allows me to contribute to an organisation that is not only committed to business excellence but also to advancing sustainability and social responsibility across the region. I look forward to collaborating with the board of directors and management to support the company’s long-term vision for growth and development.”

BAT Cameroun established several decades ago, has grown to become a leading player in the industry. Over the decades, the company has built a strong reputation by adhering to the highest standards of corporate governance and sustainability. BATC is committed to contributing to the economic and social development to foster positive change in Cameroon.

Through this appointment, BATC reinforces its long-term commitment to doing business in Cameroon and its pledge to continue to invest, so long as the company is empowered to do this in a conducive business environment.

Dr . Elias Pupesie Pungong in a nutshell

A truly international statesman and strategist, Dr. Elias Prombo Pupesie Pungong’s education was fashioned by many of the world’s top universities and has evolved to become an established and renowned global advisor in leadership and governance. His primary expertise resides within the African energy sector following decades as a strategic advisor serving a spectrum of leading international clients and governments in Belgium, France, England, Latin America and Africa pertaining to the development, financing and operation of large-scale infrastructure projects.

Following an epiphany, his vision has since shifted towards leading Africa toward a 21st Century technological and economic transformation. Deep technical and practical insights from the project finance market, including energy, utilities, mining, financial services and telecommunications have culminated in a leadership capacity through successfully developing, empowering, and managing multicultural teams. He retains a strong commitment to youth leadership, corporate social responsibility, carbon offsets and the effectiveness of public-private partnerships, constantly keeping abreast with political,financial and economic trends. Dr. Pungong was recognised as one of the illustrious and respected band of Young Global Leaders by the World Economic Forum, nominated as one of the 100 Most Talented and Senior Leaders in the Commonwealth and deemed to be one of Africa’s 50 Most Influential Thought Leaders within the Energy Sector. As a former Senior Partner and Oil & Gas Leader for Africa with the Global Firms Ernst & Young and PriceWaterhouseCoopers, he has gleaned deep insights into how corporations can become transformational, joining forces with BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto, Shell, Exxon, Total, Tullow and Chevron. In particular, his in-depth knowledge of the African oil & Gas Sector has enabled him to promote a development agenda by encouraging governments to implement and stabilise a regulatory and fiscal framework while safeguarding both the environment and foreign investments in Africa. Elias Pungong has written and published extensively on Africa’s fossil fuel legacy and how these profits can be transmuted into the green energy and technology of tomorrow. As such, he has become a regular

commentator on CNBC Africa, RFI, and JeuneAfrique. Elias is especially passionate about the development of Young African Leaders, corporate social responsibility, and the low carbon agenda. Having worked extensively across Europe and Africa, his natural penchant for development and supporting social causes is immeasurably sewn into his persona. Meanwhile, in his home nation of Cameroon, he has helped young Africans and businesses by promoting education and using football scholarships to encourage young people to strive for the future. As co-founder of a Gas-to-Liquid company, he has driven the implementation of this technology in five countries across Sub-Saharan Africa in addition to mineral exploration and development in various companies that he owns and operates in Central Africa, some of which are listed in Australia and London. In July 2017, Dr. Elias Pungong was installed as the United Kingdom's Honorary Consul in Douala, Republic of Cameroon. As an alumnus of the Harvard Kennedy School, Yale School of Management, a Fellow at the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England, Wales and mathematics alumnus of the St Catherine’s College University of Oxford. Having recently completed his Doctorate in Business Administration degree from the Prestigious French GrandeEcole (IPA) in Renewable Energy Policy in Cameroon, Elias Pungong is now ready to contribute to the irreversible ongoing transformation process in Africa with a strong focus on Climate Change and Energy Transition

About BAT Cameroun

British American Tobacco Cameroun S.A. also  referred to as BAT Cameroun,  is a legally-incorporated public limited liability company with a share capital FCFA 4 585 453 382, having its head office situated 620, Rue du Gouverneur Carras (1064) BP: 259 Douala, Immeuble Grassfields, Plateau Joss; and is a subsidiary of the British American Tobacco Group.

BAT Cameroun has over the years contributed to the economic development of the Country in various ways, including payment of approximately FCFA 100 billion in taxes and duties in the past five years. The Company’s operations support the livelihoods of about 16,000 Cameroonians in its value chain, consisting of direct employees, distributors, indirect sales personnel, wholesalers, and retailers.