Altadis announces new heads of sales and consumer marketing.

Altadis U.S.A. Inc. announced employee promotions to support its continued U.S. growth in the premium cigar market.

Altadis U.S.A. Inc. is the maker of such iconic brands as Romeo y Julieta, Montecristo and H Upmann.

Paul Waller, previously senior division manager of sales, has been promoted to head of sales. “Paul has worked in tobacco for the past six years and is one of the most respected leaders in the Altadis business,” said Rob Norris, president of Altadis U.S.A. Premium Cigar Division. “He will be responsible for field sales, key accounts and customer service.”

“Paul is a natural leader who has fit into this key leadership role very quickly. I look forward to continuing to execute our strong and well planned field sales and key account strategy while providing top notch customer service,” Norris said.

Brad Winstead, previously vice president of sales for the Fort Lauderdale-based company, is moving to a new role as head of consumer marketing. “Brad has worked for 13 years in Altadis U.S.A. and his understanding of the market, its adult consumers and the Altadis portfolio provides the opportunity to bring consumer centric initiatives to meet adult cigar smokers’ interests,” Norris said. “Brad will bring the same energy and passion to the marketing group that we have seen in our sales team for the past five years.”

These moves complete the Altadis U.S.A. commercial team, Norris said, adding, “With Paul heading sales and Brad joining our trade marketing director, Oliver Hyams, these moves make us one of the strongest teams around, and allow Altadis U.S.A. to continue to capitalize on the growth seen over the past couple of years.”