Rob Norris Leaving Altadis For Canadian Subsidiary
Rob Norris, head of Altadis U.S.A. Inc., the makers of non-Cuban versions of Montecristo and Romeo y Julieta cigar brands, is departing the company and heading north. Norris has accepted a position in Canada with e-cigarette and vaping technology company Fontem Ventures. Both Altadis and Fontem Ventures are subsidiaries of global tobacco giant Imperial Brands PLC.
“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 chief executive officer of Tabacalera USA, the U.S.-based premium cigar division of Imperial. “Given his tenure here, the move to Canada is an important next step for Rob’s professional career.”
Norris joined Altadis U.S.A. in 2011 as national sales and trade marketing director. He later served as chief executive officer of JR Cigars, one of the largest premium cigar wholesale and online businesses in the U.S., before taking on his current role at Altadis U.S.A.
Norris is slated to leave Altadis on August 1st. In his new role at Fontem Ventures, he will serve as general manager of Canada.
With Norris’ departure, Paul Waller, head of sales for Altadis and Oliver Hyams, head of trade marketing for Altadis, will report directly to Tabacalera USA’s Javier Estades.
Additionally, Rafael Nodal, head of product capability at Tabacalera USA, will now oversee Altadis U.S.A.’s marketing team.
