In late 2015 Villager made news by firing all their reps. Rumor has it that many of the reps were fired while they were on the road and were told their company credit cards were shut off leaving them to scramble to find their way home. It was then that the company also announced that they would be restricting their North American division.
Well that restructuring now has a new President in Rene Castenada who replaces Roy MacLaren who was dismissed in 2014.
The company which had offices in North Carolina will now move to Miami where Castenada will oversee the company as they begin a new phase.
Prior to his new position Rene Castaneda served as sales and marketing for Orleans Group International.
Official Press Release was emailed on 2/3/16:
VILLIGER CIGARS NORTH AMERICA NAMES RENE CASTANEDA AS NEW PRESIDENT
(Miami, Florida) February 1, 2016— Villiger Cigars North America proudly names Rene Castaneda as their new President. In this new role, Castaneda will oversee all aspects of US operations, including sales and marketing. Castaneda will work in tandem, with managing director, Michael Blumendeller. Villiger Cigars North America goes forward with their plans to restructure and stay true to their commitment of providing the cigar industry with the best quality cigars.
Rene Castaneda has an expansive tenure in the premium cigar industry where he was previously the Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Miami Cigar & Co. Most recently, he held the same position for the Orleans Group International and spearheaded the hugely successful Dram Cigars for Whiskey campaign. Castaneda is an Industrial Engineer with extensive knowledge in operations, distribution, logistics and inventory management.
Rene Castaneda stated:” It is truly an honor to be chosen for this position, at a company so rich in history. We plan on being an innovative company while bringing Villiger back to its roots. I have all the confidence that Villiger Cigars North America will soon be the standard. Our plan is to develop brands that connect with the consumers while working alongside retailers, and all partners, providing the best products and service. We want the consumer to know that Villiger Cigars has a deep history, originating in 1888, and represents the “original classic.”
The hiring of Rene Castaneda is one of the many changes occurring at Villiger Cigars North America. One of many announcements in the near future will include changes in the Villiger Cigars North America portfolio which will encompass new premium cigar brands.
Michael Blumendeller, Managing Director for Villiger Cigars North America states:” Mr. Heinrich Villiger is as committed as ever to the U.S. market. We are looking forward to bringing back VCNA headquarters to Miami. Rene is a true cigar man and there is no doubt, that he will represent the Villiger Cigar brand with passion, and respect.”
ABOUT VILLIGER SONS LIMITED AND VILLIGER NORTH AMERICA:
Villiger Sons Limited was established in 1888 by Jean Villiger in the small town of Pfeffikon, Switzerland, where Villiger remains headquartered to this day. The company manufactures and sells more than 1.5 billion cigars annually, world-wide. Today, under the leadership of Heinrich Villiger, the company prides itself in its commitment to quality, in all their products made in many countries around the globe.
Villiger Cigars North America was established to service the premium cigar enthusiast primarily in the United States. With production from some of the most respected manufacturers in Dominican Republic, Central America and elsewhere, it is the goal of the company, to introduce the finest smoking experience a premium handmade cigar has to offer. Today, and in the future, one can rest assured that when they choose a Villiger cigar, the quality of the leaf, the manufacturing, and even the packaging will be second to none.
