Imperial Brands appoints Inchcape's Bomhard as CEO

Imperial Brands said it had appointed Inchcape chief executive Stefan Bomhard to its top job, replacing Alison Cooper who stepped down on Monday with immediate effect.

Cooper in October said she would step down as chief executive, but this would now be with immediate effect.

Imperial added that Matthew Phillips had stepped down as chief development officer and board director with immediate effect.

In a separate announcement, Inchcape said its would now start a succession process and Bomhard's departure date would be announced in due course.