Sunday, August 24 2008
George Gershel, Altadis U.S.A.'s Executive Vice President Tobacco will retire at the end of 2008 after forty-seven years with the company. Altadis U.S.A.’s CEO Theo Folz made the announcement.
George is the fourth generation of his family to have a career in the cigar industry. Utilizing his exceptional knowledge of tobacco, George has dedicated his life to the acquisition of high quality tobacco for the many brands manufactured by Altadis U.S.A.
George Gershel was born in Hartford, Connecticut, the heart of Shade country and began working in the tobacco industry after graduating from Cornell University and serving in the Army. Before joining Consolidated Cigar (which later became Altadis U.S.A.) in 1961, George had already managed a farm, as well as worked as a leaf broker and later a tobacco buyer.
"I have worked with George for 25 years," says Folz. "George is one of the few remaining icons of the global cigar industry. He is an honorable man and a dedicated professional. His knowledge of tobacco and many other aspects of the business is unsurpassed. I will miss him, the company will miss him, and the industry that he loves so much will miss him, as well. We wish George all the best in his well deserved retirement."
George plans to enjoy his retirement years at the home he and his wife, Yolande, own in the Swiss Alps. £
