James excited to be new CEO at CTC

The newly appointed Managing Director and CEO of Ceylon Tobacco Company (CTC) James Yamanaka said yesterday he was excited with the opportunity at a time when Sri Lanka is experiencing an economic revolution post-war.

“It is with a great sense of excitement that I take up this posting at a time when the island of Sri Lanka is experiencing somewhat of an economic revolution,” James said.

He succeeds Mustanser Ali Khan who will take up the role of BAT Area Head of Supply Chain, South Asia Area (SAA).

“It is my sincere hope to continue and build upon the magnificent efforts of Mustanser Ali Khan who has ably guided CTC from strength to strength. I wish him the very best,” James added.

A graduate in Master of Science majoring in Foreign Services from Georgetown University of USA, James also holds a MBA from the University of London and a BA from the University of California. James has been with the BAT Group since July of 2006 and prior to this was a London – based strategy consultant, working primarily on projects in the mobile telecoms sectors in Europe and Asia.

Mustanser assumed duties in September 2007 and has contributed in significantly growing the business. Under Mustanser’s leadership, CTC’s reputation was further enhanced when they were voted amongst the top companies in Sri Lanka by the Business Today and LMD magazines. CTC also received a special mention by the Chamber of Commerce and ACCA for its CSR and Reporting. These achievements were further validated when CTC was selected as a recipient of the SAA Regional Legacy Award.