Jean-Pierre du Coudray- Managing Director
The West Indian Tobacco Company Limited

Jean-Pierre du Coudray (JP) is currently the Managing Director for West Indian Tobacco, which is a member of the British American Tobacco (BAT) group.

He has been with West Indian Tobacco for 12 years, first as an Area Manager in West Indian Tobacco where he was instrumental in implementing the Marketing Structure in Trinidad that remains in place today.

Du Coudray has also been a Director of First Citizens Bank Limited since June 17, 2014 as a Director of First Citizens Securities Trading Limited, First Citizens Trustee Services Limited, First Citizens Investment Services Limited and First Citizens Costa Rica S.A.

He sits on the Board of the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce. He is also a Leadership Board Member of British American Tobacco Company Limited Caribbean and Central American Region.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics from the University of Western Ontario, Canada.

The following edited extract was taken from the company’s Annual Report to shareholders.

2014: A Challenging But Rewarding Year

As we look back, 2014 was probably the most challenging year we have faced in recent times which made the year’s results that much more rewarding.

Several factors were instrumental in this year’s performance; the Company’s robust brand portfolio, focused marketing strategy, astute distribution platform and a highly talented resource pool which allowed us to again surpass the performance of 2013, going beyond with a Profit for the Year of 19% over the last year.

In 2014, we took the time to begin preparations for the introduction of new tobacco control regulations and in doing so, the Company continued to work closely with its key stakeholders and business partners to ensure they were fully aware of the processes and requirements as outlined in the law.

The Company continues to adhere to responsible marketing practices and comply with all the laws of Trinidad and Tobago. We do this in a transparent way, which is aligned to the Company’s philosophies and standards.

Growth in 2014 was impacted by challenging macro-economic conditions, increasing regulatory controls, changing consumer base and increased competition.

In order to deliver results in this environment, performance was driven by a well-balanced, relevant, innovative portfolio, sustained by an optimised distribution network and a focused consumer engagement platform in accordance with the channels established by law.

As a Company, we focused on delivering high levels of efficiency and productivity through innovative, value-creating activities.

We recognise that going beyond in 2014 was a precursor for even more challenging times in 2015.
The world is challenged, our twin islands are challenged and so too is the tobacco industry. West Indian Tobacco is, however, part of a major international business and with this comes the responsibility to be open about the risks of our products, to supporting communities and to selling our products responsibly in the market place.

We are open about what we think and we welcome the opportunity to collaborate transparently.

Critical to our success is the resourcing and the support structure to the business. We have now aligned the structure and processes in order to ensure greater efficiencies and effectiveness and are moving towards a new global operating model with common systems and processes. This aims to help us grow market share and achieve higher returns for our shareholders.

The loyalty and commitment of management and staff contributed to this year’s performance and I am grateful for their outstanding service to the organisation. The continued high performance could not happen without the sound guidance from the Board of Directors and as we Go Beyond in 2015, we are thankful to our distributors, consumers and the shareholders of this Company for the support and belief in the Company and its team.