George Rico, the owner of Gran Habano Cigars, has been named to the Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Board of Directors. Rico will fill the associate member spot made vacant by Max Bichler of Rocky Patel Premium Cigars. Last week, Bichler resigned from Rocky Patel Premium Cigars, where he served as National Sales Manager. Bichler also vacated his spot on the PCA Board of Directors. Rico will now serve the remainder of Bichler’s term on the board through 2028.
Under its association bylaws, the PCA has the duty to appoint a good-standing member to fill the role. A similar precedent was set in 2022, when Alec Bradley founder Alan Rubin sold his company and vacated his board seat.
“George is always willing to step up and do more for the organization and will push forth new ideas. He will be a great complement to our existing associate members on the board. I am confident that his ideas will have a lasting impact on the association and industry,” added Joshua Habursky, Executive Director of the Premium Cigar Association, in a press release.
Todd Naifeh, President of the PCA, added, “George brings a deep experience of the industry with him and has been working with the board already on several projects. He will be a great addition to the team.”
“I would like to thank the Board for their confidence in me today and for this great opportunity! I look forward to working with the PCA Board and all of PCA’s members to explore new ideas that will help our treasured industry thrive and grow in the coming years,” commented Rico.
