GLENVIEW, Ill. -- Donald R. Levin, president and chairman of Republic Tobacco LP, has announced the appointment of Steve Sandman as vice president of sales and marketing.
Sandman's employment is effective immediately, providing a transitional period to work with Republic's national sales manager of 21 years, Warren Schoening, who will be retiring from his sales post in June, but staying on as a special projects consultant.
Prior to joining Republic, Sandman spent eight years at Altadis USA, where his most recent position was vice [image-nocss] president of national accounts and sales development.
We have been searching high and low for the right person to lead our sales team, said Levin. Finally we found someone who knew the industry extremely well, and had a great track record with extensive sales and marketing experience. Steve will be a great addition to our growing company, and I know our people will like his management style.
Sandman has been in the industry since his college days, when he started with R.J. Reynolds Tobacco as a part-time rack installer. He moved up through the ranks and ultimately became a division manager at RJR. In 1992, he moved over to RJR International where his positions included regional manager of the United States and Canada, as well as national military manager.
Sandman's responsibilities beyond sales management will include overseeing brand strategies for Republic Tobacco's TOP, JOB, DRUM and GAMBLER product lines.
Sandman will continue to sit on the National Association of Tobacco Outlets (NATO) board, to which he was elected in 2004.
Glenview, Ill.-based Republic Tobacco is a major roll-your-own/make-your own (RYO/MYO) tobacco and accessories company.
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