<B>Ready for challenges?</B>

After three years in Turkey, the new general manager of British American Tobacco (Mauritius) is facing a double test. He must adapt to a new country and take up the post of GM for the first time!

?This is definitely a special time for me. I have been working for a whole career to be able to seize this opportunity,? Jim McCormick reveals. Behind his deceptively youthful appearance, this citizen of the USA is actually more than ready for his new post. His likeable and friendly behaviour could have made us forget that we are facing the new general manager of a multinational company, did he not also show such a go-ahead and determined personality as soon as his job or company is mentioned.

Jim arrived in Mauritius only two weeks ago and he obviously has a lot to do? the more so as the whole previous week was dedicated to a meeting with 250 other general managers of BAT of the African and Middle East region. ?This was all about defining strategies and discussing leadership. But it was an excellent opportunity to show off; the GMs could have an idea of our good service level and of the company itself with the people working in it. It was also, of course, very challenging for me.?

Challenge is one of the words that Jim uses most. His lifestyle is a very challenging one for instance. With a wife, Ayten, and three sons, Jim admits it is not easy to be always on the move. ?I suppose it is not for everyone; you have to have a bit of an adventurous spirit. But it is a lifestyle choice; visiting a country is very different from living in it. But I really believe the benefits are worth it. It is so rewarding; I may be experiencing so many things that others would never know??

Obviously, he doesn?t regret his choice? The more so as his job at the head of a company selling cigarettes is very? challenging! Even though he has not always been in this top position, Jim has already been faced with lobbies or detractors ? anti-tobacco campaigners! ?I believe everyone has the right to his/her own opinion? Just as we have the right to market our products!?

Well, in fact, this is not as easy as it may seem. Jim is perfectly aware that the products he markets are dangerous to the health. But ?the way the industry has developed ? and especially BAT ? makes the job much easier now compared to what it was ten years ago?. For him, ?BAT is a responsible company that does not content itself with blindly selling its products. At the same time the industry at large has developed a high level of awareness and it is now up to adults to make the choice.?

Jim?s family has not arrived from Turkey yet but this adept of fishing, golfing and running - and last but not least, this ?beach-lover? - should find it easy to keep himself busy until they join him. Besides, as soon as he landed in Mauritius, he knew he would love it. ?People just go out of their way to help; you feel so welcome here. I also like the pleasant weather and climate but the people are definitely the best part of Mauritius.?

During his 13 years with BAT, he has worked in six different countries. ?Every place is different but what struck me when I arrived here is the ethnic diversity, which I find intriguing and interesting. The culture, the cuisine all make it a really pleasant place to live in?? Jim is convinced that he will be a ?happy man? in Mauritius. This is all we wish him?