Altadis U.S.A. Forms Premium Cigar Division

FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Altadis U.S.A. has made some restructuring changes to bring the U.S. cigar operations into line with the overall organizational structure of its parent company, Imperial Tobacco.

In a move to strengthen U.S. business opportunities, and to maximize market capabilities and its worldwide brand portfolio, the company has established a new Premium Cigar Division within the United States. Javier Estades has been appointed to the new position of General Manager Premium Cigars U.S.A. In this role he will report to Fernando Dominguez, Premium Cigar Director Worldwide, Imperial Tobacco Group. Estades previously served as sales and marketing director for Europe and International Markets.

In further changes, Jim Colucci, executive vice president sales and marketing, announced his retirement from Altadis U.S.A. effective July 31. He will work with Estades and Dominguez "to ensure a smooth transition until his retirement," Altadis U.S.A. said in a release.

The company manufactures and markets such brands as Montecristo, H. Upmann, Romeo y Juliet, Trinidad, Vega Fina, Onyx Reserve, Don Diego, Saint Luis Rey and Gispert.