BAT Romania is the coordination center of South Eastern Europe Area in BAT, and the leadership team based at Bucharest coordinates the business in Romania and 12 other countries. Along BAT Romania, other 4 organizations in this Area received the Top Employer certification: Italy, Turkey, Serbia and Ukraine. This recognition confirms BAT's commitment for an organizational culture focused on values, diversity, inclusion and growth.
Jorge Araya, Director of South Eastern Europe Area in BAT, said: “At BAT, we are committed to create a workplace where everyone feels safe, empowered, and supported, where well-being is prioritized and a culture of excellence thrives. This foundation isn't just about today; it's about building a legacy for the future to be better than the present.
We're in the midst of a remarkable transformation, a defining moment in our journey as a company. Through cutting-edge technology, bold innovation, and a multi-category portfolio, we are reshaping our business in extraordinary ways. A journey that wouldn't be possible without the dedicated, passionate team at BAT, which is constantly growing and going above and beyond to achieve their goals. With over 7,000 colleagues across the South Eastern Europe Area, our bold, diverse, and enthusiastic team is our greatest strength. The Top Employer certification we've earned in Romania, Italy, Turkey, Serbia and Ukraine is a testament to their incredible efforts and achievements.”
BAT is one of the 16 companies recognized as Global Top Employer in 2025, and also in 6 regions and 38 countries across the world. This very prestigious and internationally recognized certification is based on an extensive assessment of employer practices across areas consisting of 20 topics that include People Strategy, Work Environment, Talent Acquisition, Learning, Diversity & Inclusion, Wellbeing and more.
Cora Koppe-Stahrenberg, Chief People Officer at BAT, said: “Having been certified as a global top employer for 8 consecutive years also means we have a responsibility to constantly push the boundaries of what good looks like in the world of HR. And that's exactly what all my colleagues across the globe are doing, constantly elevating the people experience at BAT. “
BAT is committed to ‘Building a Smokeless World' by encouraging smokers to ‘Switch to Better' nicotine products. Sustaining a culture where employees are encouraged to develop, grow and innovate in a diverse and inclusive environment has always been important to BAT and is playing an important role in accelerating this transformation.
BAT has been certified as a Top Employer in various countries around the world since 2009 and as a Global Top Employer since 2018. This ongoing recognition reflects its continued efforts to develop and foster the potential of its 46,000 employees globally.
David Plink, CEO of the Top Employers Institute, said “Consistency in a not-so-consistent world? In a time of constant change - where technological, economic, and social shifts are ever-present -exceptional times bring out the best in people and organizations. This year's Top Employers Certification Programme has showcased this strength, with the certified Top Employers for 2025 demonstrating outstanding dedication to their employees globally. Their consistent commitment to people practices worldwide makes them stand out as an exclusive group who have earned global Certification through the Top Employers Programme. We are proud to celebrate these companies and their achievements in 2025.”
The Top Employers Institute programme certifies organizations based on the participation and results of their HR Best Practices Survey. Participating companies undergo a rigorous assessment process which includes an extensive review of these practices. Several validation sessions are held where evidence of these practices is provided, and an independent audit of the findings is also carried out.
