Imperial Brands job cuts: Tobacco giant plans thousands of layoffs in US

### Imperial Brands Plans Thousands of Job Cuts in Major Restructuring

Imperial Brands is preparing to cut thousands of jobs across the United States and Europe as the tobacco company launches a major cost-cutting and restructuring program. The reported plan comes as traditional cigarette sales continue to decline across several of the company’s key Western markets. Shares of the FTSE 100-listed tobacco group fell more than 4.5% following reports of the planned reductions. The first wave of layoffs is expected to hit ITG Brands, Imperial Brands’ U.S. subsidiary, which also manages operations in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. Employees at the company could reportedly begin receiving notifications as early as August 19. According to reports, the initial cuts are expected to focus on corporate and operational functions rather than frontline sales. Human resources, finance, procurement and supply chain teams are among those expected to be affected. A second phase of the restructuring is expected to target legal, marketing, insights and intelligence functions. The company has not publicly disclosed the total number of positions that could ultimately be eliminated. The restructuring could continue through 2027, with some changes potentially extending into April. The job reductions come as tobacco companies face growing pressure to adapt to changing consumer preferences and declining cigarette consumption. Imperial Brands and its competitors are increasing investment in alternative nicotine products, including vaping devices and heated tobacco products. The company is therefore attempting to reduce operating costs while redirecting resources toward newer categories with longer-term growth potential. Investors reacted negatively to the reports, reflecting concerns over both restructuring expenses and the wider outlook for the traditional tobacco business. Imperial Brands shares opened at 2,787 pence before dropping to an intraday low of 2,613 pence. The stock later recovered partially to around 2,664 pence, leaving it approximately 4.55% below the previous session’s close. Trading volumes increased as investors assessed the potential financial impact of the restructuring. The company’s broad international operations make the planned changes significant for employees across multiple markets. Imperial Brands operates in more than 120 countries and is one of the world’s largest international tobacco companies. Its portfolio includes well-known cigarette brands such as Winston, Davidoff and Gauloises. The group also has a major presence in fine-cut tobacco and tobacco papers, with Rizla among its best-known brands. Imperial Brands ranks fourth globally among major international tobacco groups by market share and sales volume, excluding China National Tobacco. The company trails Philip Morris International, British American Tobacco and Japan Tobacco on that measure. The restructuring highlights the difficult balance facing traditional tobacco companies as cigarette consumption declines while newer nicotine products require greater investment. For Imperial Brands, the cost-cutting plan could become a key part of its strategy to improve efficiency and strengthen its position in a rapidly changing tobacco market.