Mr. Payne, 49, has been Executive Vice President - Public Affairs of RAI since July 2004. In November 2006, his title was changed from Executive Vice President - External Relations. Mr. Payne served as Executive Vice President - External Relations at RJR from July 1999 to July 2004. Mr. Payne serves on the board of trustees of Winston-Salem State University and serves on the board of directors of North Carolina Citizens for Business and Industry.