As part of the changes BAT said managing director , Paul Adams , 50 , would become chief executive from January 1 .
BAT BATS.L also said Managing Director Paul Adams would step up to chief executive from January 1 , 2004 , to ease the transition .
" This sale is part of our efforts to simplify our Foodservice Products business and improve its cost structure , " Multifoods chairman and chief executive officer Gary Costley said .