Imperial Tobacco Loses U.S. Chief Ahead of $7.1 Billion Purchase

Imperial Tobacco Group Plc said the head of its U.S. business resigned after less than a year, dealing a blow to the company as it prepares to complete the $7.1 billion purchase of assets including the Blu electronic cigarette brand.

Marty Orlowsky, the former chief executive officer of Lorillard Inc., is leaving voluntarily “due to differences with the company’s management style,” Bristol, England-based Imperial Tobacco said in a statement Thursday. His job goes to David Taylor, who previously worked with Orlowsky as chief financial officer of Lorillard.