NATION

As part of a program to decentralize management, American Brands Inc., New York, said that its American Tobacco Co. division will become a separate subsidiary in January, 1986, and that Thomas C. Hays, president and chief operating officer of American Tobacco, will assume the titles of president and chief executive of the new subsidiary. American Tobacco’s current chairman and chief executive, Virginius B. Lougee III, will continue as president and chief operating officer of American Brands.