ATLANTA -- Electronic cigarette company FIN Branding Group has made several recent appointments, hiring executives from major consumer brands.
The company has appointed Rick Torgalski as vice president of sales. Torgalski brings more than 13 years of experience to his new role. At FIN, he will focus on leading, developing, and growing the national sales, distribution and promotional efforts of FIN Branding Group.
Before joining FIN, Torgalski served as director of convenience channels at Hostess Brands. Prior to that, he spent 10 years with The Hershey Co., where he held a variety of positions including national account manager, marketing manager. Before departing, he was a team leader.
"Rick's varied experiences working on national account development is very important for our organization at this juncture. We already service leading retailers, but we expect his sales leadership will result in even more shelf space and doors," said FIN chairman and CEO Elliot B. Maisel.
FIN Branding has appointed Joe Cipolla as vice president of supply chain. Cipolla is a 20-year veteran with broad based experience. At FIN, he will oversee the end-to-end supply chain with responsibility for procurement through distribution and warehousing and maintain relationships with FIN's internal partners and vendors.
Before joining FIN, Cipolla served as the senior director of business strategy and supply chain for Campbell Soup Foodservice. Prior to that, he spent 13 years with Kraft Foods where he climbed from senior analyst to director of global supply chain strategy, finance and capital. Previously in Kraft, he also served as the director of global financial planning and analysis.
"As we move components for our brand globally, having someone of Joe's caliber on our team is an important part of our growth strategy. He understands the critical nature of an effective and efficient supply chain, and we are excited to have him on our team," said Maisel.
And the company recently appointed Joana Martins its vice president of marketing. Martins brings more than 14 years of consumer-focused branding to her new role. At FIN, Martins will develop and execute marketing and communication strategies to position FIN's industry leadership.
Before joining FIN, Martins managed brands for Meda Consumer Healthcare, the U.S. over-the-counter division of Stockholm-based Meda AB, a top 50 global specialty pharmaceutical company. Prior to that, she led food and beverage strategy for Darden Restaurants. Earlier in her career Martins served as director of marketing for the pet division of Black & Decker, as well as product marketing manager at Burger King Brands, developing and launching the Breakfast Value Menu. And prior to that, she was with Nestle USA, where she managed seasonal confections and snacks business, particularly Easter and Christmas seasons.
"We are excited to have someone of Joana's caliber joining the team. Her big brand experience will play an important role for FIN as she leads our marketing efforts to build the most successful brand in the electronic cigarette industry," Maisel said
The FIN product line is available in more than 35,000 retail establishments nationwide, including Wal-Mart, Pilot/Flying J, Winn Dixie, Circle K, Sam's Club, Sunoco, Love's, Stripes, Murphy USA and many others.
FIN Branding Group, Atlanta, is led by Maisel, known for his ownership of beverage distribution company Gulf Distributing Holdings LLC and commercial real-estate and development company Herman Maisel & Co.
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