BUSINESS

Imperial Brands to Cut Thousands of U.S. Jobs in Restructuring

▪

Read, Watch or Listen

Imperial Brands to Cut Thousands of U.S. Jobs in Restructuring

Media Bias Meter

Sources: 9

Center 100%

Sources: 9

Imperial Brands, the British multinational tobacco company, is preparing to eliminate thousands of jobs across its major markets, including a significant number in the United States, according to a Bloomberg News report published on Monday. The company's shares fell more than 5 percent following the announcement . The first phase of the job cuts will specifically target the company's ITG Brands unit, which operates in the United States, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico. The layoffs are expected to begin with departments including human resources, finance, and the procurement and supply chain . A second phase of reductions is planned for later in the year, which will affect the legal, marketing, and insights teams. Affected employees are scheduled to be notified in April, with the cuts beginning in mid-year . The company is also planning to outsource some ITG Brand roles to its strategic partner, Capgemini SE, before the end of the year. Furthermore, Imperial Brands has been in contact with relevant bodies in the European Union regarding planned redundancies, which are subject to consultation . As of the end of 2025, Imperial Brands employed approximately 25,800 staff globally . While a company spokesperson confirmed the impact of the changes on the company's global footprint, they did not provide specific details on the number of jobs affected. The company warned in May that it was facing higher costs stemming from the Iran war, which added pressure to an industry already suffering from a terminal decline in traditional cigarettes and increasing regulatory challenges .

Prepared by Christopher Adams and reviewed by editorial team.

Timeline of Events

On May 2026: Company warned of higher costs from Iran war and outlined £320m savings plan .
· On August 19, 2026: Notifications to ITG Brands staff regarding first phase layoffs begin .
· On late 2025: Imperial Brands employed approximately 25,800 staff globally as major markets struggled .
· On early 2026: Company outsourced some finance and procurement work to Capgemini in Poland .
· On 2025: British American Tobacco cut roughly 20% of its global headcount .
· On 2025: Imperial announced plans to close a major German cigarette factory .
· On 2025: FDA repeatedly rejected approval for Imperial's 'blu' e-cigarette .
· On 2025: Imperial acquired US oral nicotine business Black Buffalo .
· On 2026: Company began discussions with EU authorities over planned European redundancies .
· On February 2026: Announced strategic alliance with Capgemini for outsourcing .
Present:
· On August 10, 2026: Bloomberg reports company preparing thousands of job cuts in US and Europe .
· On August 10, 2026: Shares fell over 5% in London following the layoff report .
· On August 10, 2026: Company spokesperson confirms global impact but provides no job specifics .
· On August 2026: First phase layoffs at ITG Brands affect HR, finance, procurement and supply chain .
· On April 2027: Affected second phase employees scheduled to be notified of layoffs .
· On mid-2027: Second phase cuts target legal, marketing, and insights teams .
· On end of 2026: Some ITG Brand roles to be outsourced to strategic partner Capgemini SE .
Future:
· Companywide restructuring continues as traditional cigarette volumes decline globally.
· Full consultation process with affected European employees is expected.
· Implementation of 2030 strategy including restructuring and investment phases.
· Pending formal announcement of exact job numbers.
· Strategic focus on next-generation nicotine products including oral alternatives.

News Intelligence

Immediate US impact: Major job cuts at ITG Brands signal industry-wide economic pressure.
Long-term US impact: Shift from traditional tobacco to oral nicotine products continues.
Most affected groups: ITG Brands employees, particularly in corporate functions in US.
Prioritise: Official Imperial Brands announcements for accurate job impact figures.