This evening The Cigar Authority has learned that Kretek International has gutted Ventura.
According to our sources we have confirmed that the sales force was reduced to 3 people.
Michael Giannini remains as the GM and the company has retained their west coast sales manager as well as their Chicago area sales representative.
Meanwhile long time employee Barry Bennett was offered a Phillips & King key account sales position.
On the morning of November 6th, Rachel McKnett of Kretek reached out to The Cigar Authority with a press release that states, “Ventura Cigar Company has just announced the restructuring of its national sales organization in advance of new FDA regulations expected to hit the tobacco industry in the coming month.” The press release goes on to to quote Michael Giannini, “Making tough decisions has kept Kretek International strong throughout the decades, and I commend the company for recognizing the changing market landscape and taking necessary steps to remain an industry leader. We are grateful for the contributions of our employees and wish everyone well as they continue their journeys.”
