El Septimo has announced it has named cigar industry veteran Chip Goldeen as its new Director of Sales and Business Development. Goldeen has over 24 years senior management and executive experience in the premium cigar industry, and is best known for spending the last two decades with Ashton Cigar Company. In a press release, Zaya […]
Kretek International, Inc. (Kretek), has announced that Jason Carignan will become President of Phillips & King International and TMG International. Carignan currently is serving as Kretek’s Chief Marketing Officer. In his new role, Carignan will oversee strategic expansion and digital transformation of the Phillips & King and TMG International businesses to serve the evolving needs […]
Blanco Cigar Company has announced effective June 1st, Ken Mansfield is its new National Sales Director. “We are excited to add such a dynamic personality and manager to our team and feel Ken will provide immense value to the company, enhancing customer service policies and procedures in addition to developing the sales force throughout the […]
As we meet people in what we do as both cigar enthusiasts and cigar media, they become a part of your extended family. Today we are sad to report the loss of one of our extended family here on Cigar Coop as Scott Cunius, the man who many called “Big Scott” or “Cigar Machine” has […]
Claudio Sgroi, a tobacco industry veteran best known for his time as Mombacho Cigars SA’s Master Blender and President, has announced the launch of his own consulting company, CST Consulting. Sgroi made the official announcement of his venture on the exact 20th anniversary of stepping onto a tobacco field for the first time. “This is […]
Just around a month after he joined Mombacho Cigars as the company’s Creative Director, Jessi Flores and Mombacho Cigars have parted ways. Flores’ departure was first reported by Stogie Press. Flores’ hiring was done in a rather unorthodox way. Last month a video was posted where Flores himself announced his appointment as Creative Director. […]
Cigar Rights of America (CRA)’s Board of Directors have elected new leaders. Gary Pesh, owner of Old Virginia Tobacco Company, has been named Chairman of the Board; and Karen Smith, Vice President of Arturo Fuente, has been elected as President. Both succeed Robert G. Levin of Ashton who had served in both roles since 2014. Smith […]
Tarazona Cigars has named Willy Marante it’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Marante was a longtime regional sales representative with Miami Cigar & Company. On March 1st, he transitioned to La Aurora Cigars where he became the company’s brand ambassador. “We are pleased to welcome Mr. Marante to Tarazona Cigars. With Willy’s knowledge and […]
Kretek International, Inc. has announced the departure of long-time Chief Sales Officer Patrick Hurd after two decades with the company. Hurd’s exit from the company is expected as of May 31, 2021. Patrick Hurd originally joined Kretek in November 2000, while launching its Canadian subsidiary, Kretek Canada. In June 2011, he moved to the United […]
Raúl Castro has resigned as First Secretary of the Communist Party in Cuba. The resignation marks the end of a 62-year era where either Raúl or his brother, Fidel Castro were in control. In 2018, Raúl Castro opted to not seek another term as President of Cuba and was succeeded by Miguel Díaz-Canel, but had […]
