Rob Norris, head of Altadis U.S.A., has accepted a transfer to Fontem Ventures as general manager of Canada.
Altadis U.S.A. is a unit of Tabacalera USA, Imperial Brands’ premium cigar division in the U.S. Fontem Ventures is another, separate Imperial Brands company.
“Rob has been with Imperial Brands for more than 20 years and has held a variety of increasingly responsible leadership positions,” said Javier Estades, President and CEO of Tabacalera USA. “Given his tenure here, the move to Canada is an important next step for Rob’s professional career. Rob joined our Altadis U.S.A. unit as national sales and trade marketing director in 2011. He’s also led our JR Cigars as CEO and currently serves as the head of Altadis U.S.A.” Norris’ move to Fontem Ventures is slated for August 1, Estades said.
With the Norris transfer, Altadis also has announced reporting line changes. Paul Waller, head of sales for Altadis, and Oliver Hyams, head of trade marketing for Altadis, will report directly to Estades.
Imperial Brands plc is a U.K.-based company with affiliates around the world and significant assets in premium cigars, cigarettes and next-generation products. These assets, under the operating umbrella of Tabacalera USA, include Altadis U.S.A. Premium Cigar Division, JR Cigar and Casa de Montecristo.