On Friday January 26th, 2018 I was informed of the death of my co-host on the Smooth Draws Radio Show, Gary “Doc” Laden. It was a very tough day. I personally want to thank everyone for the kind words, and ask everyone to keep Gary’s family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time Gary […]
Cigar News: Gary Laden, Co Founder of Smooth Draws Radio Show Passes Away
William Cooper Cigar News 5 Comments News, People, Smooth Draws
Gary”Doc” Laden, founder and host of the Smooth Draws Radio Show passed away in Atlanta, Georgia at 4:10 am this morning. A medical doctor by trade, in 2015 Doc took his love of cigars and the cigar lifestyle and co-founded a radio show called Cigar Guys Radio. In 2016, the show was rebranded the Smooth […]
Cigar News: Oettinger Davidoff AG Announces Series of Executive Management Changes
William Cooper Cigar News 1 Comment Davidoff, News, People
The management changes at Davidoff continue. Today Davidoff announced changes in a number of its key corporate leadership positions. The primary change is that Edward Simon is now the new leader of Davidoff’s Global Marketing & Innovation job. Simon takes over for Charles Awad, whom Davidoff says is departing the company. Simon is best known […]
Cigar News: Alex Azar Confirmed as Secretary of Health and Human Services
William Cooper Cigar News 1 Comment FDA, News, People
The United States Senate has confirmed Alex Azar as the new Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). The appointment should be of particular interest to the cigar community as HHS oversees the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – the organization that regulates premium cigars. Azar comes from the pharmaceutical industry, where from 2012 […]
Cigar News: IPCPR Promotes Rachel Hyde to Senior Director of State Affairs
William Cooper Cigar News No Comments IPCPR, News, People
The International Premium Cigar and Pipe Retailers Association (IPCPR) has announced that Rachel Hyde has been promoted to Senior Director of State Affairs. She replaces Matt Dogali, who is leaving the organization effective January 24, 2018. Hyde has been with IPCPR since 2013 and currently has been serving as the Deputy Director of State Affairs […]
Cigar News: Davidoff Expands Richard Krutick’s Role to Vice President of Marketing and Retail
William Cooper Cigar News 1 Comment Davidoff, News, People
Davidoff of Geneva has named Richard Krutick its new Vice President of Marketing in the U.S. The role is an expanded role for Krutick, as he previously served in the role of Vice President of Marketing for several Davidoff brands, including the Davidoff and S.T. Dupont. Krutick’s role will now add responsibilities for overseeing the Davidoff […]
Cigar News: Gilberto Oliva Sr. Passes Away
William Cooper Cigar News 3 Comments J. Cortés, News, Oliva, People
Gilberto Oliva Sr, the patriarch of the Oliva Cigar family, died earlier today in Miami, Florida. He was 86 years old. Oliva Sr. is best known for founding the massive Oliva Cigar Company Operation with his son Gilberto Jr. Oliva Sr. was the grandson of Melanio Oliva, who had established a growing operation in Cuba. Oliva Sr. started his […]
Cigar News: Davidoff of Geneva USA Promotes Dylan Austin to Vice President of Sales and Marketing
William Cooper Cigar News 1 Comment Davidoff, News, People
Today Davidoff of Geneva has announced that Dylan Austin will become the company’s new Vice President of Sales and Marketing in the USA. Austin currently serves and will continue to serve as Vice President of Marketing for several brands in the portfolio, while taking on the responsibility of overseeing the company’s sales organization. Austin has been […]
Cigar News: José O. Padrón Passes Away
William Cooper Cigar News 3 Comments News, Padron, People
José O. Padrón, the patriarch of Padrón Cigars has passed away overnight. He was 91 years old. José Orlando Padrón was born on June 10, 1926, in the Pinar del Rio region of Cuba. His family had been in the tobacco business since his grandfather Damaso Padrón settled in Cuba after emigrating from the Canary […]
Cigar News AJ Fernandez Cigar Co Names Selim Hanono COO
William Cooper Cigar News No Comments AJ Fernandez Cigars, News, People
A.J. Fernandez Cigar Company has named Selim Hanono as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO) “Selim comes with incredible experience and knowledge of our industry. We have full confidence that he will help lead our company and take us to the next level. He will have our full support in order to accomplish our company’s […]