Cigar Weekly

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.