Elvis Batista has announced he has stepped down as Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Blackbird Cigars in order to pursue other opportunities. In an email communication, Batista said: “I’m very grateful to have worked with the Blackbird Cigar team in helping build its current sales and marketing structure and to have had to […]
The Cigar Association of America (CAA) today announced Brian Fojtik has joined the organization as Senior Vice President for Government Relations. In this new role, Fojtik will be responsible for helping to develop and implement state and federal legislative strategies and policy initiatives, as well as managing CAA’s 46 state lobbyists and the federal lobbying […]
Siegfried Maruschke Sr., the owner of the large tobacco growing and brokerage operation Jose Mendez & Co S.R.L. in the Dominican Republic, passed away on January 29, 2023. He was 83 years old. Maruschke’s father-in-law, Jose “Pepe” Mendez was the founder of the company. Mendez left Cuba following the Cuban Revolution of 1959 and would […]
Sergio Montoflo, who served as the Executive Vice President of Operations at Phillips & King, passed away suddenly on January 28, 2023. Montfolo, who was recently promoted to Executive Vice President had over a 25-year career at Phillips & King, a subsidiary of Kretek International. He had become one of the most respected and beloved […]
The Premium Cigar Association (PCA) has announced it has hired Lisa Sigler as its Membership Development Director. In her new position as Membership Development Director, Sigler supports the development and growth of the Association. She is responsible for assisting with the membership and trade show departments, and overall sales initiatives. “We have gotten to a […]
J.C. Newman Cigar Company has announced that Kara Guagliardo has been promoted to Executive Director of Hospitality of Community Engagement. In her new role, Kara leads J.C. Newman’s team that welcomes visitors to its historic El Reloj cigar factory in the “Cigar City” of Tampa, Florida. Guagliardo joined J.C. Newman’s marketing department 12 years ago […]
United Cigars has added Dan Davison as its Director of Marketing. Dan comes to United Cigars with ten years of experience in all aspects of the cigar industry from both sides of the counter. “I’m honored & excited to join United Cigars, our brands have a rich history with more stories to tell,” said Dan […]
Don Doroteo Cigars has announced Garret Robinson as the new Vice President of Sales. Robinson has worked in different facets of the cigar industry, including his time spent working in cigar media at How Bout that Cigar and running a successful brokerage throughout the Midwest. The company says his expertise and passion for cigars will […]
El Septimo Geneva has hired Kevin Petosa as its new Director of Business Development and Credit. Previously, Kevin Petosa had been with J.C. Newman Cigar Company for the last ten years as a credit manager. “We continue to grow globally by taking market share from leading premium cigar companies, and in preparation for this growth, […]
West Tampa Tobacco Co. has named Stijn Elbersen its Global Sales and Marketing Director. Elbersen also is the owner of Small Batch Traders, a company based in the Netherlands that handles international distribution for West Tampa Tobacco Co. and other premium cigar manufacturers Elbersen started his career in premium tobacco at Habaos S.A., and worked […]
