MOORPARK, Calif. -- Kretek International Inc., exclusive importer and marketer of Djarum and Cuban Rounds Cigars, Voodoo and EZ Cig e-vapor products, DjEEP lighters, Nuvino Wines and VirMax male performance products, has named Chuck Welz as Southern Region sales director.
Welz will report to Kretek vice president of sales Patrick Hurd, and he will be responsible for retail development of Kretek brands through its distributor and broker networks across the south. His region will cover territory from Virginia to Florida, and across to Louisiana, Tennessee and Kentucky. Welz replaces Randy Kreisel, who is retiring after a long career, including six years with Kretek.
Welz will oversee Kretek's regional sales team as well as activities of CROSSMARK, Reese and JMK brokers in his region. His prior experience includes sales management positions at Suncoast Sales, Commonwealth Brands, Intercontinental Cigars and American Tobacco Co.
"Chuck's tremendous experience crosses a wide range of product categories including tobacco, candy and snacks. He brings a track record of strategic insights and business building in various channels of trade. He will strengthen Kretek's growth plans. We are pleased that he agreed to come on board," said Hurd.
Moorpark, Calif.-based Kretek is a privately held importing and marketing company with business concentrated in the specialty tobacco, OTP and e-vapor categories.
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