British American Tobacco Bangladesh - Mr. Wael Sabra
Chairman
Background
Mr. Wael Sabra began his career with British American Tobacco in 2003 and, over the course of more than 23 years, has held several significant senior positions across finance, strategy, and general management while working in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. His career reflects deep expertise in financial leadership, capital stewardship, and governance within complex operating environments.
He holds a Master’s degree in Finance from the University of Florida and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the American University of Beirut. In addition, he is a Certified Management Accountant (CMA) and a Certified Prince 2 Project Manager.
Date of Appointment to BATB Board
Mr. Wael Sabra became the Chairman of BAT Bangladesh on 1st August 2024, following his earlier appointment as a Non‑Executive Director to the Board on 29th March 2023.
Achievements
He joined BAT in 2003 as a Marketing Finance Executive in Lebanon. Over the following years, he progressed through a series of roles of increasing responsibility, gaining broad exposure to commercial operations.
- 2010 – Appointed Finance Director, Democratic Republic of Congo, strengthening financial governance and operational performance.
- 2012 – Became Finance Director, Southern African Markets.
- 2014 – Relocated to Cairo as North Africa Area Finance Director, enhancing regional financial strategy and governance standards.
- 2016 – Transitioned to Pakistan as Finance Director for the South Asia cluster.
- 2019 – Expanded remit in Dubai as Finance Director for Middle East, South Asia, and North Africa, providing strategic oversight across multiple markets.
- Present – Serving as Area Director overseeing Middle East, South Asia, North Africa, Caucasus, and Central Asia. In parallel, he is Chairman of BAT Bangladesh, a member of the Pakistan Tobacco Company Board, and a member of the Asia Pacific Middle East & Africa Regional Leadership Team.