TOBACCO

Liggett Execs Resign; Chairman, CEO Named: Miami-based Brooke Group Ltd. said Rouben Chakalian has stepped down as chairman of its Liggett Group tobacco unit and that Douglas Cummins has resigned as Liggett’s chief executive. The company said Ronald Fulford, former executive chairman of Imperial Tobacco, a unit of Hanson of Britain, would assume the posts of chairman and CEO, effective immediately. Brooke said Chakalian, who wants to spend more time with his family, will remain on Liggett’s board and continue to serve as a consultant to the company. It said Cummins resigned to pursue other interests. Fulford served as executive chairman of Imperial Tobacco from 1987 until February, when he began working with Brooke Group Chairman Bennett LeBow in his effort to gain control of RJR Nabisco Holdings Corp. and to spin off its Nabisco food business.