The Smokeless Word

Episode 1 - Rory Sutherland

In the debut episode of The Smokeless Word, BAT’s Chief Corporate Officer, Kingsley Wheaton, welcomes Rory Sutherland, Vice Chairman of Ogilvy. Together, they explore why businesses fear costs yet overlook missed opportunities, how electric cars could have become more prevalent sooner if governments had attempted to ban them, and Rory’s personal journey with vaping, including why he’s grateful for the option to vape and why he believes forcing vapers outside with smokers is, in his view, “totally barbaric”.
 
Join Kingsley and Rory for a conversation that challenges assumptions and sets the tone for a podcast about transformation, collaboration, and bold decision-making.
 
DISCLAIMER
Intended Audience: This podcast is intended for regulators, scientists, policymakers, investors, media and public health bodies only. This material is not intended for US audiences.
 
Personal Views: The views expressed in this podcast are the personal opinions of the speaker only.
 
No Product Promotion: Nothing in this podcast is intended to promote or endorse the consumption of product referred to.
 
Risk and Harm Statements: Nicotine products are addictive and not risk free. Any references to products having a reduced risk or reduced harm are based on the weight of the evidence and assume no continued smoking.
 
Content Warning: This podcast contains some swearing that may not be suitable for all listeners.
 
BAT Investments is the copyright holder of this podcast.

Episode 2 - Valerie Mras

In the second episode of The Smokeless Word, we go behind the brand with Valerie Mras, Senior Vice President of Vapor Brands at Reynolds American. With 17 years of experience, Valerie provides sharp, real-world insight into leading responsibly and driving transformation in a dynamic industry. Together, they explore the power of purposeful marketing, the realities of leading through change, and how established brands can remain relevant while building A Better Tomorrow™.
 
Join Kingsley and Valerie for an honest, energising conversation about leadership, innovation, and the people behind the progress.
 
Please note that "Reynolds" is short for the independent group of companies operating under Reynolds American in the US, which is an independent subsidiary of BAT.
 
DISCLAIMER
Intended Audience: This podcast is intended for regulators, scientists, policymakers, investors, media and public health bodies only. This material is not intended for US audiences.
Personal Views: The views expressed in this podcast are the personal opinions of the speaker only.
No Product Promotion: Nothing in this podcast is intended to promote or endorse the consumption of the product referred to.
Risk and Harm Statements: Nicotine products are addictive and not risk free. Any references to products having a reduced risk or reduced harm are based on the weight of the evidence and assume no continued smoking.
Content Warning: This podcast contains some swearing that may not be suitable for all listeners.
BAT Investments is the copyright holder of this podcast.

Episode 3 - Reem Ibrahim

In the third episode of The Smokeless Word, we explore a range of topics, from public health policy and harm reduction to political agendas, with Reem Ibrahim, Communications Officer at the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA). Reem is a familiar face on our TV screens where she eloquently debates societal issues that impact us all. The episode examines smart regulation, freedom of choice, and why policy should be driven by evidence. 
 
This episode is a must-listen for anyone in public health or policymaking. Join Kingsley and Reem for a lively and frank conversation that challenges traditional political orthodoxies.  
  
DISCLAIMER  
Intended Audience: This podcast is intended for regulators, scientists, policymakers, investors, media and public health bodies only. This material is not intended for US audiences.  
Personal Views: The views expressed in this podcast are the personal opinions of the speaker only.  
No Product Promotion: Nothing in this podcast is intended to promote or endorse the consumption of the product referred to.  
Risk and Harm Statements: Nicotine products are addictive and not risk free. Any references to products having a reduced risk or reduced harm are based on the weight of the evidence and assume no continued smoking.  
Content Warning: This podcast contains some swearing that may not be suitable for all listeners.  
The podcast guest was not paid for their appearance. 
BAT Investments is the copyright holder of this podcast.  

Episode 4 - Dr. James Murphy

In Episode 4 of The Smokeless Word, we go behind the scenes with Dr. James Murphy, BAT's Director of Science and Research. With nearly 20 years at BAT, a PhD from the University of Edinburgh, and postdoctoral work in Japan, James brings a unique scientific perspective to what he calls "one of the most profound human challenges" of our time. 
 
Join Kingsley and James as they delve into James’s career journey, BAT's decades of scientific research, the Omni™ and BAT’s commitment to building a Smokeless World. Whether you're in public health or policymaking, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss. 
 
DISCLAIMER  
Intended Audience: This podcast is intended for regulators, scientists, policymakers, investors, media and public health bodies only. This material is not intended for US audiences.  
Personal Views: The views expressed in this podcast are the personal opinions of the speaker only.  
No Product Promotion: Nothing in this podcast is intended to promote or endorse the consumption of the product referred to.  
Risk and Harm Statements: Nicotine products are addictive and not risk free. Any references to products having a reduced risk or reduced harm are based on the weight of the evidence and assume no continued smoking.  
Content Warning: This podcast contains some swearing that may not be suitable for all listeners.  
Intellectual Property: BAT Investments is the copyright holder of this podcast. 
The podcast guest was not paid for their appearance. 

Episode 5 - Andrew Stephenson

Kingsley explores British politics with Andrew Stephenson, former Minister of State for Health, in Episode 5 of The Smokeless Word. From joining the Conservative Party at 16 to serving seven years as a minister, Andrew offers his insider perspective on political change and how private sector innovation can help drive meaningful change. 
 
Join Kingsley and Andrew as they discuss Andrew’s political career, the role of vaping in public health, and the illicit trade. Tune in for an insightful discussion you won't find anywhere else. 
 
DISCLAIMER   
Intended Audience: This podcast is intended for regulators, scientists, policymakers, investors, media and public health bodies only. This material is not intended for US audiences.   
Personal Views: The views expressed in this podcast are the personal opinions of the speaker only.   
No Product Promotion: Nothing in this podcast is intended to promote or endorse the consumption of the product referred to.   
Risk and Harm Statements: Nicotine products are addictive and not risk free. Any references to products having a reduced risk or reduced harm are based on the weight of the evidence and assume no continued smoking.   
Content Warning: This podcast contains some swearing that may not be suitable for all listeners.   
Intellectual Property: BAT Investments is the copyright holder of this podcast.  
The podcast guest was not paid for their appearance.  

Episode 6 - Danni Tower

In Episode 6 of The Smokeless Word, Kingsley sits down with Danni Tower, BAT’s Group Head (SVP) of Scientific and Regulatory Affairs. With more than twenty-five years of R&D experience, helping global brands navigate the policy landscape, Danni knows what it takes to innovate and lead at the highest level. 
 
Join Kingsley and Danni as they explore the qualities of successful leadership, the stewardship of BAT’s products and the importance of science in informing enforceable regulation. If you’re looking for leadership advice with impact, this one’s unmissable. 
  
DISCLAIMER   
Intended Audience: This podcast is intended for regulators, scientists, policymakers, investors, media and public health bodies only. This material is not intended for US audiences.   
Personal Views: The views expressed in this podcast are the personal opinions of the speaker only.   
No Product Promotion: Nothing in this podcast is intended to promote or endorse the consumption of the product referred to.   
Risk and Harm Statements: Nicotine products are addictive and not risk free. Any references to products having a reduced risk or reduced harm are based on the weight of the evidence and assume no continued smoking.   
Content Warning: This podcast contains some swearing that may not be suitable for all listeners.   
Intellectual Property: BAT Investments is the copyright holder of this podcast.  
The podcast guest was not paid for their appearance.  

Episode 7 - Theo Foukkare

Kingsley got back behind the mic in his recent trip to Brussels for another episode of The Smokeless Word!  
 
This time, he’s joined by Theo Foukkare, the CEO of the Australian Association of Convenience Stores (AACS), to dive into one of Australia’s toughest challenges: the rise in the illicit trade and retail crime. 
 
Is current legislation helping or hurting? Join Kingsley and Theo as they tackle this question head-on in a frank conversation that sheds light on the realities faced by small businesses, the unintended effects of policy decisions, and what real solutions could look like. 
 
This episode is an essential listen for policymakers, offering lessons that extend far beyond Australia's shores. 
 
DISCLAIMER   
Intended Audience: This podcast is intended for regulators, scientists, policymakers, investors, media and public health bodies only. This material is not intended for US audiences.   
 
Personal Views: The views expressed in this podcast are the personal opinions of the speaker only.   
 
No Product Promotion: Nothing in this podcast is intended to promote or endorse the consumption of the product referred to.   
 
Risk and Harm Statements: Nicotine products are addictive and not risk free. Any references to products having a reduced risk or reduced harm are based on the weight of the evidence and assume no continued smoking.   
 
Content Warning: This podcast contains some swearing that may not be suitable for all listeners.   
 
The podcast guest was not paid for their appearance.  
 
BAT Investments is the copyright holder of this podcast.   

Episode 8 - Derek Yach

The Smokeless Word returns with a timely conversation from Brussels as COP11 takes place this week. On this episode, Kingsley sits down with global health expert and former WHO Executive Director, Derek Yach.  
 
As one of the architects behind the modern global approach to tobacco control, Derek offers rare insight into the origins of the FCTC, sharing untold stories from its early negotiations, and explains why some of its most important clauses, including harm reduction, were never activated. 
 
Their conversation spans the failure of policymaking over the past decade, the nature of the messenger in communications and the WHO’s evolving role. Derek offers a frank assessment of where global tobacco control has faltered and where he sees hope for rapid change. 
  
Join Kingsley and Derek for an episode rich in history, insight, and forward-looking perspective. 
 
DISCLAIMER   
Intended Audience: This podcast is intended for regulators, scientists, policymakers, investors, media and public health bodies only. This material is not intended for US audiences.   
Personal Views: The views expressed in this podcast are the personal opinions of the speaker only.   
No Product Promotion: Nothing in this podcast is intended to promote or endorse the consumption of the product referred to.   
Risk and Harm Statements: Nicotine products are addictive and not risk free. Any references to products having a reduced risk or reduced harm are based on the weight of the evidence and assume no continued smoking.   
Content Warning: This podcast contains some swearing that may not be suitable for all listeners.   
The podcast guest was not paid for their appearance.  
BAT Investments is the copyright holder of this podcast.   

Episode 9 - Nike Örbrink

The Smokeless Word is back! Join Kingsley in Sweden as he sits down with Nike Örbrink, Head of the Christian Democrats (KD) in Stockholm City Hall. From her early political awakening at 18 to leading her party in Sweden’s capital, Nike shares her journey into public life, the challenges of representing a smaller party, and the unique pressures of modern politics.  
 
They also explore Sweden’s progress toward smoke-free status, the cultural role of snus, and how tobacco harm reduction policies could guide European regulation - all while touching on Nike’s life beyond politics, from football to pub quizzes. 
 
DISCLAIMER   
Intended Audience: This podcast is intended for regulators, scientists, policymakers, investors, media and public health bodies only. This material is not intended for US audiences.   
Personal Views: The views expressed in this podcast are the personal opinions of the speaker only.   
No Product Promotion: Nothing in this podcast is intended to promote or endorse the consumption of the product referred to.   
Risk and Harm Statements: Nicotine products are addictive and not risk free. Any references to products having a reduced risk or reduced harm are based on the weight of the evidence and assume no continued smoking.   
Content Warning: This podcast contains some swearing that may not be suitable for all listeners.   
The podcast guest was not paid for their appearance.  
BAT Investments is the copyright holder of this podcast.   

Episode 10 - Zak Brown (Christmas Special)

CHRISTMAS SPECIAL: Kingsley is joined by Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing.
 
Fresh off an extraordinary season - Constructors Champions and Lando Norris winning the Drivers Championships - this episode unpacks the transformation that made it possible.
 
As the strategist behind McLaren’s return to the front of the grid, Zak shares rare perspectives on rebuilding a legacy team: shifting culture, unlocking performance, and forging partnerships.
 
Join Kingsley and Zak as they dive into McLaren’s electrifying journey this season, the bold changes and revitalisation he’s driven, and the leadership mindset behind their remarkable comeback. 
 
This is a masterclass in transformation you won’t want to miss!
 
DISCLAIMER  
Intended Audience: This podcast is intended for regulators, scientists, policymakers, investors, media and public health bodies only. This material is not intended for US audiences.  
Personal Views: The views expressed in this podcast are the personal opinions of the speaker only.  
No Product Promotion: Nothing in this podcast is intended to promote or endorse the consumption of the product referred to.  
Risk and Harm Statements: Nicotine products are addictive and not risk free. Any references to products having a reduced risk or reduced harm are based on the weight of the evidence and assume no continued smoking.  
Content Warning: This podcast contains some swearing that may not be suitable for all listeners.  
The podcast guest was not paid for their appearance. 
BAT Investments is the copyright holder of this podcast.