Scott Pearce, Executive Director of the Premium Cigar Association (PCA), is leaving to become the new president of the Cigar Association of America (CAA). Pearce replaces David Ozgo, who departed the organization earlier this year. The PCA has announced that Joshua Habursky, Deputy Executive Director, will be the Interim Executive Director.

“We are grateful for Scott’s time at PCA that saw transformative positive changes for the association from advocacy to trade show and especially grateful that he was able to work with us to hire an incredible team that will have a lasting legacy even after he leaves the organization,” says Scott Regina, PCA Board President in a statement by the PCA.

Joshua Habursky, Interim Executive Director, added: “With change comes opportunity. Scott was part of a team of staff and a board of directors that resurrected an organization that faced tough times during the pandemic. The association is in a strong position and will continue to be the advocacy leader for premium cigars, host its world-class trade show, and grow all facets of its membership with our existing team.”

“Scott is uniquely positioned to grow and bring innovative lobbying and advocacy to CAA. His depth of experience working in industry and trade groups and his most recent experience with PCA provides CAA a leader who is prepared to take on the difficult issues our association faces.” said Chris Howard, CAA Board Member and Chairman of CAA’s search committee. “We expect that Scott’s experience at PCA will build on CAA’s already strong relationships throughout the industry and look forward to collaborative efforts for all cigar industry members,” added Howard.

During his tenure with PCA, Pearce is credited with guiding the organization through difficult times. In 2020, the PCA cancelled its trade show and furloughed its staff due to the COVID-19 pandemic. That same year, the Big Four (Altadis, Scandinavian Tobacco Group, Drew Estate, and Davidoff) stopped attending the Trade Show. Since then, Pearce’s leadership can be credited with helping restore the trade show and bringing three of the Big Four companies back. Pearce brought organizational changes, which saw an expanded board of directors and a more transparent voting process. Over the past year, he oversaw moving the Trade Show from the summer months into the spring – a move lauded by the cigar industry. He was also involved with eliminating the final half day of the Trade Show, another move praised by the industry. Pearce was also involved with rebranding the IPCPR to the PCA name.

“I am humbled and honored to take the reins of the CAA,” Pearce said. “I am optimistic about the future for our industry and look forward to working with the great companies and people of CAA to drive greater value for members and develop new advocacy strategies to both defend us and catapult the industry to new heights,” said Pearce.

Pearce’s last day with PCA will be May 24, 2024, and he will start his role with CAA effective May 28, 2024.