Imperial Brands plans sweeping job cuts across key markets

Imperial Brands is preparing to cut thousands of jobs across key markets, including the US and Europe, as it seeks to reduce costs.

Bloomberg reported the planned cuts on Monday, citing people familiar with the matter. The tobacco company is also preparing a broader restructuring of its operations.

The exact number of roles affected has not been disclosed.

Cuts to begin with support functions

The first phase is expected to affect staff in human resources, finance, procurement and supply chain.

The cuts will initially focus on Imperial Brands' ITG Brands unit. The business covers the US, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.

A second phase will target legal, marketing, insights and intelligence teams.

Employees affected by the second round are expected to be notified in April. The cuts are due to begin in the middle of the year, Bloomberg reported.

"Over time, the changes we are making will have an impact across our global market footprint," a company spokesperson said in a statement.

The company did not provide details on the number of jobs affected.

Some roles to be outsourced

Some roles at ITG Brands are expected to be outsourced to strategic partner Capgemini before the end of the year, according to Bloomberg.

Imperial Brands has also contacted relevant bodies in the European Union over planned redundancies.

The cuts will be subject to consultation, the report said.

Imperial Brands employed about 25,800 people globally at the end of 2025.

Tobacco industry faces rising pressure

The restructuring comes as tobacco companies face falling demand for traditional cigarettes.

The sector is also dealing with tighter regulations and rising costs.

Imperial Brands warned in May that the Iran war would add to its costs.

The company has been seeking to simplify its operations and improve efficiency across its global business.

It has identified the US, UK, Germany, Spain and Australia as priority markets. The company also has a significant workforce across other European markets.

The planned job cuts are expected to form part of a wider effort to streamline operations and reduce costs across Imperial Brands' international business.