Japan Tobacco International Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Japan Tobacco International has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, corporate communications, and market operations.

Driven by a commitment to quality, Japan Tobacco International shapes the international tobacco market with a robust portfolio of globally recognized brands and a significant presence in Other Tobacco Products, impacting consumer preferences worldwide.

Leadership Roles at Japan Tobacco International

  • Chief Executive Officer - Jong-Taeg Park
  • Chief Financial Officer - Cathy Walser
  • Director, Leaf Finance (USA) & Chief Financial Officer, Entity - Ambrose Evans
  • Corporate Communications Senior VP & Chief Financial Officer - Hiromasa Furukawa
  • President - Christina Lee
  • Executive Deputy President - Akira Saeki
  • President - Kathryn Steelman
  • Jong-Taeg Park - Chief Executive Officer

    Jong-Taeg Park, the Chief Executive Officer at Japan Tobacco International, directs the company's global strategy and overall business operations. Park oversees the strategic direction for the company's extensive brand portfolio, including Winston, Camel, Mevius, and LD, ensuring market leadership in the international tobacco sector. This leadership role involves driving innovation and market penetration for both traditional tobacco products and the significant Other Tobacco Products segment, which includes roll-your-own brands like Winston and Camel. Park's executive decisions shape the company's response to evolving market dynamics and regulatory landscapes across diverse international territories. The Chief Executive Officer's mandate extends to fostering strong relationships with key stakeholders and ensuring the long-term financial health and growth of Japan Tobacco International. By setting the vision, Jong-Taeg Park guides the organization toward sustained success and market influence.

    Cathy Walser - Chief Financial Officer

    Cathy Walser, the Chief Financial Officer at Japan Tobacco International, manages the company's comprehensive financial strategy and operations. Walser directs all fiscal activities, including financial planning, risk management, and capital allocation across the global enterprise. This critical role ensures the financial integrity and stability necessary to support Japan Tobacco International's extensive brand portfolio and its significant market share in Other Tobacco Products. The Chief Financial Officer oversees budgeting processes, investment analysis, and reporting mechanisms, providing essential financial insights to guide strategic decision-making. Walser's leadership ensures compliance with international financial regulations and optimizes financial performance to drive profitability and shareholder value. By maintaining rigorous financial oversight, Cathy Walser underpins the company's operational capacity and its ability to pursue strategic growth initiatives in competitive global markets.

    Ambrose Evans - Director, Leaf Finance (USA) & Chief Financial Officer, Entity

    Ambrose Evans, the Director, Leaf Finance (USA) & Chief Financial Officer, Entity at Japan Tobacco International, executes specialized financial leadership within key operational segments. Evans directs the financial management for the leaf operations in the United States, a crucial component of the company's supply chain and product sourcing strategy. This dual role also encompasses broader financial oversight for specific corporate entities, ensuring fiscal discipline and compliance. The Director, Leaf Finance (USA) & Chief Financial Officer, Entity focuses on optimizing financial performance related to raw material procurement and processing, directly impacting the cost structure of globally recognized brands like Winston and Camel. Ambrose Evans's responsibilities include developing financial models, managing budgets for the US leaf operations, and contributing to the financial health of designated corporate structures, thereby supporting Japan Tobacco International's overall market competitiveness.
    Ambrose Evans

    Hiromasa Furukawa - Corporate Communications Senior VP & Chief Financial Officer

    Hiromasa Furukawa, the Corporate Communications Senior VP & Chief Financial Officer at Japan Tobacco International, integrates strategic financial management with external stakeholder relations. Furukawa directs the financial operations while simultaneously shaping the company's public image and communication strategies across its international markets. This unique combination of responsibilities ensures that financial reporting and corporate messaging are aligned with Japan Tobacco International's business objectives and brand positioning for products like Mevius and LD. The Corporate Communications Senior VP & Chief Financial Officer oversees investor relations, public affairs, and internal communications, ensuring transparency and consistent brand narrative. Hiromasa Furukawa's financial acumen supports the company's global expansion and its robust presence in the Other Tobacco Products sector, while the communications expertise safeguards brand reputation and stakeholder trust.
    Hiromasa Furukawa

    Christina Lee - President

    Christina Lee, the President at Japan Tobacco International, drives strategic initiatives and operational excellence across key business units. Lee's leadership focuses on enhancing market performance for the company's diverse brand portfolio, including Winston and Camel, and expanding its footprint in the Other Tobacco Products segment. This executive role involves overseeing cross-functional teams to ensure alignment with corporate goals and market demands. The President is instrumental in developing and executing strategies that foster growth, optimize resource allocation, and maintain Japan Tobacco International's competitive edge in the global tobacco industry. Christina Lee's purview includes driving innovation in product development and marketing, ensuring the company's continued success and leadership in diverse international territories.
    Christina Lee

    Akira Saeki - Executive Deputy President

    Akira Saeki, the Executive Deputy President at Japan Tobacco International, provides critical support and strategic direction to the Chief Executive Officer. Saeki oversees major operational functions and contributes significantly to the formulation of global business strategies, ensuring the effective management of the company's extensive brand portfolio, including Mevius and LD. This senior leadership position involves driving operational efficiencies and spearheading initiatives that enhance market competitiveness across all regions where Japan Tobacco International operates. The Executive Deputy President plays a key part in guiding the company's expansion within the Other Tobacco Products market and reinforcing its position as a benchmark in the industry. Akira Saeki's leadership ensures robust execution of corporate objectives and sustained growth for the organization.

    Kathryn Steelman - President

    Kathryn Steelman, the President at Japan Tobacco International, directs significant operational segments and strategic growth agendas. Steelman's leadership focuses on driving market penetration and enhancing brand visibility for Japan Tobacco International's core offerings, such as Winston and Camel, alongside its prominent position in Other Tobacco Products. This executive role involves managing key business relationships and overseeing the implementation of market-specific strategies to achieve corporate objectives. The President is responsible for ensuring operational alignment across various departments, fostering a culture of performance, and identifying new opportunities for expansion and revenue generation. Kathryn Steelman's strategic oversight contributes directly to the company's sustained success and its influential presence in the international tobacco landscape.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Japan Tobacco International Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Japan Tobacco International?
    Japan Tobacco International is led by Jong-Taeg Park (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Cathy Walser (Chief Financial Officer) and Ambrose Evans (Director, Leaf Finance (USA) & Chief Financial Officer, Entity).
    Who is part of Japan Tobacco International’s executive team?
    The executive team of Japan Tobacco International includes leaders such as Jong-Taeg Park (Chief Executive Officer), Cathy Walser (Chief Financial Officer), Ambrose Evans (Director, Leaf Finance (USA) & Chief Financial Officer, Entity) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Japan Tobacco International have?
    Japan Tobacco International has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Japan Tobacco International’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Japan Tobacco International includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Director, Leaf Finance (USA) & Chief Financial Officer, Entity, Corporate Communications Senior VP & Chief Financial Officer, President.