More shakeup at CAO

OHRD · 11-09-2010, 07:22 AM

Now the president, Tim Ozgener is leaving CAO. Will post press release soon...

OHRD · 11-09-2010, 07:25 AM

Release:

TIM OZGENER DEPARTS PREMIUM CIGAR BUSINESS

Richmond, VA—General Cigar announces that CAO President Tim Ozgener has decided to pursue personal business interests in his hometown of Nashville, TN, thus moving on from his 16-year career in the premium cigar business.

Ozgener, son of company founder Cano A Ozgener, joined the original family business in 1994 and has since been instrumental in building one of the most renowned and respected brands in the premium cigar category.

Dan Carr, president of General Cigar said, “We remain committed to CAO and are grateful to Tim for his contributions, not only to the brand but also for sharing his knowledge with the people who will continue his legacy. While we will miss Tim’s insight and passion, we respect his choice and wish him well.”

Gary Hyams, chairman of CAO International commented, “It has been a privilege to work with Tim over the last three and a half years and to have had the opportunity to share in his passion for CAO. I wish him and his family all the very best for the future.”

Ozgener commented, “It is with a heavy heart that I leave CAO. I look back at my 16-year career with the company with great pride and I will miss the friendships that I have made over the years in the premium cigar industry. I am confident that the team at General Cigar will carry the CAO brand to new heights and I wish them the utmost continued success.”

Tim Ozgener was named president of CAO in 2006. He is largely credited with bringing innovative packaging, new flavor profiles and unique marketing concepts to the brand which has continued to thrive since the company’s inception during the cigar boom.

About Scandinavian Tobacco Group
Scandinavian Tobacco Group which purchased CAO in 2007 has recently completed a global merger with Swedish Match AB, combining all the tobacco business of Scandinavian Tobacco Group A/S with the cigars and pipe tobacco business of Swedish Match AB (with the exception of its US mass market cigars). This new company, which has retained the name Scandinavian Tobacco Group, is now the second largest cigar company in the world, holding more than 30% of the U.S. premium cigar market and producing more than 2.5 billion cigars and 1,650 tons of pipe tobacco annually at the Group’s factories in Europe, Asia, the Caribbean and Central America. For more information, visit www.st-group.com.

About General Cigar
General Cigar Co. Inc., a division of Scandinavian Tobacco Group, manufactures and markets handcrafted cigars for the premium market. Committed to delivering cigars of the finest quality, General Cigar’s skilled artisans produce Macanudo®, Cohiba®, La Gloria Cubana®, Punch®, CAO®, Partagas®, Hoyo de Monterrey®, Excalibur® and several other leading premium brands in the company’s Dominican, Honduran and Nicaraguan factories. In addition, the company cultivates proprietary tobacco which is used exclusively in its blends. General Cigar also operates Club Macanudo®, a cigar bar in New York City. Based in Richmond, VA, General Cigar sells through tobacconists nationwide and also exports select products to 62 countries. For more information, please visit www.cigarworld.com.

® Macanudo, Cohiba, La Gloria Cubana, Punch, CAO, Partagas, Hoyo de Monterrey, Excalibur and Club Macanudo are registered trademarks of General Cigar Co. Inc.

# # #

elderboy02 · 11-09-2010, 07:26 AM

Wow! I wonder if him and Sam Leccia will team up?

area51 · 11-09-2010, 07:28 AM

Wow that's nuts whats going on with people leaving lately?

OHRD · 11-09-2010, 07:28 AM

Something interesting to me is the wording: "Tim Ozgener has decided to pursue personal business interests in his hometown of Nashville, TN, thus moving on from his 16-year career in the premium cigar business"

Sounds like he's leaving cigars altogether, which I find very hard to believe...

Skywalker · 11-09-2010, 07:29 AM

That's sad news!

Tim's a great guy!

kelmac07 · 11-09-2010, 07:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elderboy02

Wow! I wonder if him and Sam Leccia will team up?

Funny Dan...I had the same thought.

CAO MX3 meets the Cain Maduro Toro = CM57

elderboy02 · 11-09-2010, 07:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kelmac07

....
CAO MX3 meets the Cain Maduro Toro = CM57

hscmit · 11-09-2010, 07:34 AM

interesting
thanks for the info

Da Klugs · 11-09-2010, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by matthewjmichael

Something interesting to me is the wording: "Tim Ozgener has decided to pursue personal business interests in his hometown of Nashville, TN, thus moving on from his 16-year career in the premium cigar business"

Sounds like he's leaving cigars altogether, which I find very hard to believe...

No... leaving the premium business would be consistent with teaming up with Sam.

Just messing with the word play here so dont get all worked up Sam fans.

docdoty · 11-09-2010, 08:55 AM

if him and sam team up they could create some great cigars.

SvilleKid · 11-09-2010, 09:25 AM

I'm wondering, with the merger with General, if there's some retirement bonuses being offered to reduce duplication of personnel?

sikk50 · 11-09-2010, 09:46 AM

I'm greatful I got to meet him while he was still working for them. He's a great guy and I'm sure he has great things in store for the future!

Who knows maybe he's going to finally pursue that career as a comedian!!

JJG · 11-09-2010, 10:01 AM

"Scandinavian Tobacco Group which purchased CAO in 2007..."

If the Ozgeners already sold the company, then he probably doesn't need the job, lol. Furthermore, It's probably hard to be as passionate about a company once you no longer own it.

Parshooter · 11-09-2010, 10:03 AM

Wow, 16 years with CAO. It only took me 2 weeks to get tired of CAOs

Bunker · 11-09-2010, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Parshooter

Wow, 16 years with CAO. It only took me 2 weeks to get tired of CAOs

One does grow out of them rather quickly

JJG · 11-09-2010, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bunker

One does grow out of them rather quickly

haha, I gotta agree with you there. I haven't bought one in years.

It seems like he did for CAO what Steve Jobs did for Apple; put an average product in a stylish and attractive package. Step 2: collect profit. No matter what you think of the cigars themselves, I don't think anyone can argue that he's not a successful business person.

CoreyD · 11-09-2010, 10:58 AM

I wonder what its going to do to the cigars Not that I don't careabout the people but I smoke and enjoy the cigars.

Apoco · 11-09-2010, 10:59 AM

This is very saddening to hear. The CAO Gold was my first real intro into fine cigars.

Posted via Mobile Device

warren G. · 11-09-2010, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bunker

One does grow out of them rather quickly

Yeah no kidding lol..

11-09-2010, 07:22 AM	#1
OHRD Garage w/ couch & ashtray Join Date: Sep 2009 First Name: Matt Posts: 1,377 Trading: (39)	More shakeup at CAO Now the president, Tim Ozgener is leaving CAO. Will post press release soon... __________________ Did I tell you my garage has a couch and an ashtray? My wife doesn't let me sleep or smoke inside.

11-09-2010, 07:25 AM	#2
OHRD Garage w/ couch & ashtray Join Date: Sep 2009 First Name: Matt Posts: 1,377 Trading: (39)	Re: More shakeup at CAO Release: TIM OZGENER DEPARTS PREMIUM CIGAR BUSINESS Richmond, VA—General Cigar announces that CAO President Tim Ozgener has decided to pursue personal business interests in his hometown of Nashville, TN, thus moving on from his 16-year career in the premium cigar business. Ozgener, son of company founder Cano A Ozgener, joined the original family business in 1994 and has since been instrumental in building one of the most renowned and respected brands in the premium cigar category. Dan Carr, president of General Cigar said, “We remain committed to CAO and are grateful to Tim for his contributions, not only to the brand but also for sharing his knowledge with the people who will continue his legacy. While we will miss Tim’s insight and passion, we respect his choice and wish him well.” Gary Hyams, chairman of CAO International commented, “It has been a privilege to work with Tim over the last three and a half years and to have had the opportunity to share in his passion for CAO. I wish him and his family all the very best for the future.” Ozgener commented, “It is with a heavy heart that I leave CAO. I look back at my 16-year career with the company with great pride and I will miss the friendships that I have made over the years in the premium cigar industry. I am confident that the team at General Cigar will carry the CAO brand to new heights and I wish them the utmost continued success.” Tim Ozgener was named president of CAO in 2006. He is largely credited with bringing innovative packaging, new flavor profiles and unique marketing concepts to the brand which has continued to thrive since the company’s inception during the cigar boom. About Scandinavian Tobacco Group Scandinavian Tobacco Group which purchased CAO in 2007 has recently completed a global merger with Swedish Match AB, combining all the tobacco business of Scandinavian Tobacco Group A/S with the cigars and pipe tobacco business of Swedish Match AB (with the exception of its US mass market cigars). This new company, which has retained the name Scandinavian Tobacco Group, is now the second largest cigar company in the world, holding more than 30% of the U.S. premium cigar market and producing more than 2.5 billion cigars and 1,650 tons of pipe tobacco annually at the Group’s factories in Europe, Asia, the Caribbean and Central America. For more information, visit www.st-group.com. About General Cigar General Cigar Co. Inc., a division of Scandinavian Tobacco Group, manufactures and markets handcrafted cigars for the premium market. Committed to delivering cigars of the finest quality, General Cigar’s skilled artisans produce Macanudo®, Cohiba®, La Gloria Cubana®, Punch®, CAO®, Partagas®, Hoyo de Monterrey®, Excalibur® and several other leading premium brands in the company’s Dominican, Honduran and Nicaraguan factories. In addition, the company cultivates proprietary tobacco which is used exclusively in its blends. General Cigar also operates Club Macanudo®, a cigar bar in New York City. Based in Richmond, VA, General Cigar sells through tobacconists nationwide and also exports select products to 62 countries. For more information, please visit www.cigarworld.com. ® Macanudo, Cohiba, La Gloria Cubana, Punch, CAO, Partagas, Hoyo de Monterrey, Excalibur and Club Macanudo are registered trademarks of General Cigar Co. Inc. # # # __________________ Did I tell you my garage has a couch and an ashtray? My wife doesn't let me sleep or smoke inside.

11-09-2010, 07:26 AM	#3
elderboy02 Lets Go Buckeyes! Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Dan Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 12,498 Trading: (133)	Re: More shakeup at CAO Wow! I wonder if him and Sam Leccia will team up?

11-09-2010, 07:28 AM	#4
area51 Blowing Smoke Rings Join Date: Sep 2010 First Name: Ken Location: Tejas Posts: 1,259 Trading: (3)	Re: More shakeup at CAO Wow that's nuts whats going on with people leaving lately? __________________

11-09-2010, 07:28 AM	#5
OHRD Garage w/ couch & ashtray Join Date: Sep 2009 First Name: Matt Posts: 1,377 Trading: (39)	Re: More shakeup at CAO Something interesting to me is the wording: "Tim Ozgener has decided to pursue personal business interests in his hometown of Nashville, TN, thus moving on from his 16-year career in the premium cigar business" Sounds like he's leaving cigars altogether, which I find very hard to believe... __________________ Did I tell you my garage has a couch and an ashtray? My wife doesn't let me sleep or smoke inside.

11-09-2010, 07:29 AM	#6
Skywalker BABOTL Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Dice Location: Galaxy Far Far Away Posts: 10,168 Trading: (18)	Re: More shakeup at CAO That's sad news! Tim's a great guy! __________________ Smoke what you like!!!

11-09-2010, 07:34 AM	#9
hscmit Have My Own Room Join Date: Sep 2010 First Name: James Location: no where Posts: 2,200 Trading: (4)	Re: More shakeup at CAO interesting thanks for the info

11-09-2010, 08:55 AM	#11
docdoty Cigars & Guns...what else Join Date: Oct 2010 First Name: Justin Location: Homer, mi Posts: 429 Trading: (8)	Re: More shakeup at CAO if him and sam team up they could create some great cigars. __________________ Enjoy what you smoke, and Smoke what you enjoy

11-09-2010, 09:25 AM	#12
SvilleKid Yes I am a Pirate Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: 33°46′08″N 86°28′16″W / 33.76895°N 86.471037°W Posts: 2,776 Trading: (52)	Re: More shakeup at CAO I'm wondering, with the merger with General, if there's some retirement bonuses being offered to reduce duplication of personnel? __________________ Ceilin' fan it stirs the air, Cigar smoke does swirl. The fragrance on the pillow case, and he thinks about the girl. Thanks, JB, 1975.

11-09-2010, 09:46 AM	#13
sikk50 Just Bored Really... Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Andrew Location: The Jefferson State Posts: 2,084 Trading: (13)	Re: More shakeup at CAO I'm greatful I got to meet him while he was still working for them. He's a great guy and I'm sure he has great things in store for the future! Who knows maybe he's going to finally pursue that career as a comedian!! __________________ "Not a Headache in a Hogshead"

11-09-2010, 10:01 AM	#14
JJG Have My Own Room Join Date: Jan 2009 First Name: Jeff Location: Houston Posts: 1,260 Trading: (4)	Re: More shakeup at CAO "Scandinavian Tobacco Group which purchased CAO in 2007..." If the Ozgeners already sold the company, then he probably doesn't need the job, lol. Furthermore, It's probably hard to be as passionate about a company once you no longer own it.

11-09-2010, 10:03 AM	#15
Parshooter I'm a friend of Gary S Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Marc Location: St Somewhere Posts: 835 Trading: (2)	Re: More shakeup at CAO Wow, 16 years with CAO. It only took me 2 weeks to get tired of CAOs __________________ I love chicks with FLBP.

11-09-2010, 10:58 AM	#18
CoreyD Licking my wounds Join Date: Oct 2010 First Name: Corey Location: NE Wisconsin Posts: 1,468 Trading: (23)	Re: More shakeup at CAO I wonder what its going to do to the cigars Not that I don't careabout the people but I smoke and enjoy the cigars. __________________ Serenity - 1. A disposition free from stress or emotion. 2. The absence of mental stress or anxiety

11-09-2010, 10:59 AM	#19
Apoco Nerd with social skills Join Date: May 2010 First Name: Alex Location: Chattanooga, TN Posts: 1,286 Trading: (37)	Re: More shakeup at CAO This is very saddening to hear. The CAO Gold was my first real intro into fine cigars. Posted via Mobile Device