Eric SENSI-MINAUTIER

Eric Sensi-Minautier is a seasoned public affairs professional from France, serving as the Director for EU Public Affairs and Vice President EU Affairs at British American Tobacco (BAT) for nearly a decade. He has significant experience in EU strategy, policy setting, government relations, and campaign management related to tobacco and nicotine product regulation. In his role, he represents BAT and contributes to the collective tobacco industry voice in Brussels through active participation in regulatory dialogues and industry associations such as Tobacco Europe, where he chairs key working groups. Sensi-Minautier is a vocal advocate of tobacco harm reduction and the transformation of the tobacco industry towards smokeless alternatives, aiming for BAT to become predominantly smokeless by 2035. He focuses on engaging with European policymakers to inform and influence tobacco regulations, promoting transparency and the consideration of science-based evidence in legislative processes. His work highlights the evolving business model of BAT and emphasizes the importance of regulated market access for reduced-risk nicotine products to support public health objectives and adult consumer transition .

Eric Sensi-Minautier’s lobbying efforts for British American Tobacco in the UK and EU revolve around facilitating a regulatory environment conducive to BAT’s strategic shift from traditional cigarettes to innovative, less harmful nicotine products. His firm lobbying intention is to ensure that tobacco legislation balances public health goals with market realities, supports effective harm reduction measures, and allows for the growth of smokeless alternatives. He positions BAT not as a harmful industry resisting regulation but as an evolving partner in reducing smoking-related health risks through new product portfolios. Sensi-Minautier actively counters misconceptions about the tobacco industry’s priorities by emphasizing BAT’s commitment to responsibility and innovation, seeking to inform policymakers on the scientific substantiation of reduced-risk products. His lobbying highlights the necessity of transparent engagement with regulators, arguing that exclusion or over-restriction of the tobacco sector can undermine sound regulatory frameworks. He underscores the importance of inclusion and openness in the policy-making process as outlined by EU and WHO frameworks, reinforcing that Article 5.3 of the WHO FCTC mandates transparency rather than outright exclusion of the tobacco industry from relevant non-health public policy discussions. The lobbying efforts also focus on urging EU legislators to consider the adverse effects of overly restrictive tobacco laws, which may drive illicit trade and hinder adult smokers’ transition to safer alternatives, particularly affecting the UK market where smokefree legislative progress is noted. His comprehensive approach aims to influence UK and EU regulation to enable BAT’s long-term sustainability and public health alignment by promoting innovation, consumer safety, and balanced policymaking that facilitates adult consumer choice

Eric Sensi-Minautier’s lobbying activities are extensive within the EU political framework, involving regular interactions with European Commission officials, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), and relevant regulatory bodies focused on tobacco and public health policy. He participates at a high level in lobbying dialogues, including meetings with key EU policymakers responsible for tobacco regulation, public health, and harm reduction. Specific events and meetings are often coordinated through Tobacco Europe, the umbrella organization representing major tobacco manufacturers. In this role, Sensi-Minautier chairs the Executive Committee and the Fiscal Affairs & Anti-Illicit Trade Working Group, positioning him centrally in shaping collective industry responses to legislative proposals. Notable lobbying efforts include advocacy for evidence-based regulatory frameworks that support the UK and other markets in transitioning towards smokefree societies by enabling access to reduced-risk products. This work also involves addressing allegations and misunderstandings around tobacco industry influence, promoting transparency, and clarifying the industry’s evolving role in public health strategies. He has publicly responded to EU Ombudsman critiques and committee reports, emphasizing the importance of multiple engagements with policymakers to achieve effective regulation. His efforts have ties to tangible regulatory outcomes in Sweden and the UK, where favorable policies have supported the switch to less harmful alternatives, demonstrating the impact of such lobbying. Additionally, he has been active in challenging certain scientific advisory committee conclusions, advocating for balanced interpretation of available data to ensure fair regulatory treatment of new nicotine products. His lobbying is further evidenced by his presence in the EU transparency register and reported meetings with high-level Commission officials

LinkedIn Profile: Eric Sensi-Minautier (https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-sensi-minautier/en)
Email and direct phone contacts are not publicly listed for privacy reasons.
British American Tobacco Headquarters (relevant office for EU Public Affairs):
Globe House, Temple Place, London WC2R 2PG, United Kingdom
Website: https://www.bat.com/
Additional presence in Brussels based industry groups such as Tobacco Europe (https://www.tobacco-europe.eu/about/)
Social media activity is limited, with professional insights occasionally shared on LinkedIn.