Alison Cooper assumed the role of chief executive officer at Imperial Brands in 2010, marking a transition in leadership for the organization that stood as the world's fourth-largest tobacco manufacturer by market share at the time. Her tenure spanned a decade of significant shifts in the operational strategy of the multinational firm.
Early Education and Career Beginnings
Born in 1966 in Kingston upon Thames, United Kingdom, Cooper attended The Tiffin Girls' School before continuing her studies at the University of Bristol. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in mathematics and statistics. Following her university education, she spent a year teaching in Kenya as a volunteer. She began her professional career in Bristol as an auditor with the accountancy firm Deloitte, Haskins & Sells, which later integrated into PricewaterhouseCoopers, where she developed experience in acquisitions and strategy planning.
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Cooper joined Imperial Tobacco in 1999 as a group finance manager. Her responsibilities increased in 2001 when she was promoted to the position of group financial controller. By 2009, she advanced to chief operating officer. She served as a non-executive director of Inchcape plc from July 2009 until her departure from that board in 2017.
Leadership as Chief Executive Officer
In 2010, Cooper succeeded Gareth Davis as the chief executive officer of Imperial Brands. Upon taking the position, she stated an intent to pivot the company’s operations, moving away from a traditional tobacco manufacturer model toward that of a fast-moving consumer goods entity. Her leadership coincided with a period of limited female representation in top corporate roles, as noted by her 2012 observation that she and Burberry’s Angela Ahrendts were the only two women leading FTSE 100 Index companies. In 2013, she was identified by BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour as one of the 100 most powerful women in the United Kingdom.
Departure and Succession
Following a profits warning in 2019, Cooper announced her intention to step down as CEO. Her departure process concluded in October 2020. Stefan Bomhard, formerly the CEO of Inchcape plc, was announced as her successor in February 2020. Cooper is married to an accountant and has two daughters.
Fast facts
- Born: 1966, Kingston upon Thames
- Nationality: United Kingdom
- Education: University of Bristol; The Tiffin Girls' School
- Primary Employer: Imperial Brands
- Occupations: Chief executive officer
- Notable Tenure: 2010–2020 as CEO of Imperial Brands
Questions readers ask
What was Alison Cooper's educational background?
She studied at The Tiffin Girls' School and later earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics and statistics from the University of Bristol.
When did she leave Imperial Brands?
She announced her resignation in October 2019 and officially stepped down in October 2020.
Achievements
- Affiliated with Imperial Brands
- Educated at University of Bristol and The Tiffin Girls' School
