Japan Tobacco International named Steve R. Dyer as the new general manager of its Korean operation, JTI Korea said Wednesday.

The South African-born executive will take over the helm on Feb. 1, succeeding his Greek predecessor Anastasios Sitsas, who resigned a month ago, citing personal matters.

For the past 18 years, Dyer has accumulated experience in many regions including Tanzania and East Africa, Switzerland, Russia and Hong Kong, being promoted to the Asia-Pacific regional head of human resources.

In the last five years, Dyer led the Singapore operation of JTI, propelling JTI Singapore’s then-declining market share from 8.7 percent to 22.7 percent by setting up direct distribution channels.

“(Dyer) will substantially contribute to the creation of various opportunities for employees in Korea to develop professionalism on the global level,” JTI Korea said in a statement.

By Chung Joo-won (joowonc@heraldcorp.com)