MOORPARK, Calif. -- Hugh Cassar, president and CEO of Kretek International, recently announced two appointments.
John Ellegate has been named vice president of business development. Formerly senior marketing manager for the Camel brand, he came to Kretek International from RJRT after 22 years of sales and marketing experience there. His role in the development and launch of the Camel Exotic Blends and Camel Turkish lines made him uniquely qualified to help the company propel the growth of Djarum and Dreams, Cassar said.
As these [image-nocss] brands grow in the specialty tobacco segment of the market, the need for brand-focused leadership and marketing efforts has led me to select John as the primary lead on Djarum, Dreams and all other Kretek exclusives for the United States and Canada, added Cassar.
Also, Patrick Hurd has been promoted to general manager of Kretek International, Canada, overseeing all company efforts in the Canada marketplace. Hurd has been with Kretek Canada since the company's inception. His distribution and marketing knowledge will significantly benefit the company's brands and customers in Canada, Cassar said.
Moorpark, Calif.-based Kretek International is the largest importer and manufacturer of specialty tobacco in the United States, it said, licensed and bonded to sell in all 50 states. In 2000, the company opened offices in Toronto and has now become the largest importer of specialty tobacco products in the Canada marketplace, it said. Its product lines include specialty cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco products and accessories. Kretek International is a subsequent participating manufacturer in the Master Settlement Agreement (MSA) and is fully compliant.
Meanwhile, Kretek unit Phillips & King International has launched a new website, www.pkcigar.com
Retailers are now able to login with a unique ID and password and review their order history, place orders, request information and review nearly 5000 items available and in-stock, said Eliot Suied, vice president of sales.
Phillips & King is a U.S. distributor of specialty tobacco, licensed in all 50 states including Guam, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Its product lines include specialty cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco products and accessories. Phillips & King International is also a subsequent participating manufacturer in the MSA and is fully compliant.
Members help make our journalism possible. Become a CSP member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.