Dr. Iqbal Lambat, founder of Star Agritech International, leaves behind a lasting legacy in the global tobacco industry, where he was respected for his vision, integrity, and leadership. Photo credit: Star Agritech International.
Dr. Iqbal Lambat, founder of Star Agritech International and a longtime figure in the global tobacco industry, has passed away.
In announcing his passing, the company described Dr. Lambat as a visionary leader whose belief in people, innovation, and progress shaped both the organization he built and the wider industry in which he worked for decades. Colleagues and business partners widely respected him for his integrity, dedication, and leadership style, which the company said left a lasting impact across the sector.
Dr. Lambat founded Star Tobacco International after a career that included senior roles with several of the world’s leading multinational companies. The business later rebranded as Star Agritech International in 2018 as it broadened its focus and international reach.
Before establishing his own company, Dr. Lambat worked with major global firms including Philip Morris International, Japan Tobacco International, and R.J. Reynolds International. Earlier in his career, he also held positions with Piaget/Baume & Mercier and Dow Chemical Europe.
Often described as one of the tobacco industry’s most recognized and influential executives, Dr. Lambat combined commercial experience with a strong academic background. He earned master’s degrees in finance, marketing, and economics from Webster University Geneva and later completed a doctorate in international finance at Business School Lausanne.
Throughout his career, Dr. Lambat became known for his articulate views on the global tobacco business, agriculture, and international markets. Industry observers frequently pointed to his ability to balance strategic thinking with a people-focused leadership approach, qualities that helped define the culture and direction of Star Agritech.
Dr. Lambat’s passing marks the loss of a highly-respected figure whose influence extended well beyond his own organization to stakeholders and individuals throughout the industry.