JTI has announced the appointment of Paul Hennessy as General Director for North and West Africa. With over 20 years of experience within the company, Hennessy brings international expertise and in-depth knowledge of JTI's financial, commercial, and operational challenges. He joined JTI in the UK in 2002 as part of the Graduate Program and has since held various leadership roles in finance.
Hennessy's career has spanned multiple key markets, including Poland, where he served as Financial Director from 2013, and the BeNeLux region, where he held the same position from 2016 to 2018. He then became Vice President of Finance for the UK market from 2018 to 2020. In August 2020, he was appointed Vice President of Finance for Eastern Europe and Global Travel Retail, before taking on the role of General Director at JTI Canada in January 2024.
As General Director for North and West Africa, Hennessy will be responsible for driving performance, supporting market development, and contributing to JTI's growth ambitions in the region. His international experience and strategic vision are expected to be key assets in strengthening performance, supporting teams, and accelerating the implementation of strategic priorities.
JTI has a significant presence in Morocco, having chosen the country as its management hub for 12 North and West African markets four years ago. The company's confidence in Morocco's infrastructure and business environment has led to a significant investment of $100 million in the construction of an eco-friendly factory in Tétouan Park, scheduled for completion by the end of 2025.
This investment marks a major milestone for JTI, transforming its Moroccan hub from a management center to a full-fledged industrial production site. The new factory will not only serve the domestic market but also position Morocco as a strategic industrial base for JTI, ready to export its expertise and products to the wider region.
As Hennessy takes on his new role, he will be tasked with leading this strategic transition and driving growth in North and West Africa. His appointment is seen as a key move to strengthen JTI's presence in the region and capitalize on emerging opportunities.
With Hennessy at the helm, JTI is poised to further consolidate its position in Morocco and expand its reach across North and West Africa. The company's commitment to sustainable growth and investment in the region is expected to have a lasting impact on the local economy and business environment.
Key points
- Paul Hennessy brings 20 years of experience to his new role as General Director for North and West Africa.
- JTI has invested $100 million in a new eco-friendly factory in Tétouan Park, Morocco.
- The new factory will transform Morocco into a strategic industrial base for JTI, ready to export products to the wider region.
