Business development and retail chain growth will be key focus.

Kretek International Inc., exclusive importer and marketer of Djarum and Cuban Rounds Cigars, Voodoo and EZ Cig e-vapor products, DjEEP lighters, Nuvino Wines, and VirMax male performance products, has named Chuck Welz as Southern Region sales director.

Welz will report to Kretek Vice President of Sales Patrick Hurd, and will be responsible for retail development of Kretek brands through its distributor and broker networks across the south. Welz’s region will cover territory from Virginia to Florida, and across to Louisiana, Tennessee and Kentucky. Welz replaces Randy Kreisel, who is retiring after a long career, including six very productive years with Kretek.

“Chuck’s tremendous experience crosses a wide range of product categories including tobacco, candy and snacks. He brings a track record of strategic insights and business building in various channels of trade. He will strengthen Kretek’s growth plans. We are pleased that he agreed to come on board,” noted Hurd. Welz will oversee Kretek’s regional sales team as well as activities of CROSSMARK, Reese and JMK brokers in his region. His prior experience includes sales management positions at Suncoast Sales, Commonwealth Brands, Intercontinental Cigars and American Tobacco Co.

Welz attended Meramec Community College in St. Louis, and proudly served four years in the US Navy. He and his wife make their home in Valrico, Fla.