Black Label Trading Company has named Derek Matthews as its new National Sales Manager. Matthews will have responsibility for both the BLTC and Black Works Studio premium cigar brands.

Matthews is an avid cigar enthusiast and a Tobacconist University Certified Retail Tobacconist. He has many years of cigar retail experience as well as experience in the sales and marketing arena. In his role Matthews will be responsible for sales team leadership, collaborating with management to develop growth strategies and implementing initiatives for brand awareness.

In a press release announcing Matthews’ appointment Stephanie Harris managing partner at Black Label Trading Co. said: “We have been growing organically since we started in 2013 and are ready to take things to the next level. When we opened our own factory in 2015 our primary focus shifted to product development and operations in Nicaragua. Bringing Derek on board is going to help put the focus on maintaining our relationships with our cigar retailers and directing the growth for the future.”

Derek Matthews commented: “I’ve witnessed the profound passion and tremendous talent behind BLTC over the years and am honored to have received this opportunity. As the National Sales Manager for Black Label Trading Co. I will be supporting a brand I believe in while building a culture of positive growth in the boutique cigar category.”

The naming of a National Sales Manager is Black Label Trading Company’s second strategic move of 2016. Earlier this year, the company announced that Boutiques United would handle its U.S. distribution.