Javed Iqbal

Part of the IT Leaders 100 - a list of the most influential IT leaders in the UK in 2026.

Javed Iqbal Syed is the Interim Chief Financial Officer and Director, Digital and Information at British American Tobacco (BAT), where he oversees the company’s global finance function while leading its end‑to‑end digital transformation.

A BAT veteran since 1996, Javed has held senior leadership roles across Korea, Switzerland, London, Pakistan and the Middle East, including Area Director for Middle East, South Asia & North Africa and CEO of Pakistan Tobacco Company.

In his current dual remit, Javed drives financial stewardship, cloud‑enabled systems modernisation, data‑driven decision‑making and digitally‑agile ways of working. Known for building high‑performing, innovation‑focused teams, he plays a central role in accelerating BAT’s evolution into a consumer‑centric, multi‑category business.