We’ve been hearing the message from Philip Morris that they intended to become a full ”tobacco” company over the past year. The agreement that has been entered into will give Philip Morris the opportunity along with their recent entry into the smokeless category to do just that. What impact will this have on retailers? What impact will this have on other manufacturers? What affect do you think this will have on the space at retail? Share your thoughts on this very interesting acquisition!
Philip Morris to Purchase John Middleton
November 10th, 2007 | Acquisitions | Lou Maiellano
149 comments ↓
All I can think is that now retailers will be presented with contracts from rai & pm that will fight over the “tobacco space”. I’m not looking forward to this. I wonder whether PM will declare that the header is not included in the counted space on horizontal sets. I have to think that the USST, Altadis, Swedish & Swisher folks are going to be challenged. UGH thoughts of this give me a headache.
One aspect of this acquisition that intrigues me from a political-economy perspective is the “little cigar” issue given that Black & Mild has become the principal target in NAAG’s attack on the little cigar sector, something the participating manufacturers, of which PM is one, have been eager to go after given their general view that cigarette sales are being lost to some little cigars. With this acquisition PM is now squarely on both sides of this issue. Since Black & Mild’s use of burley tobacco and flavorings is what gives it its distinctive sweeter taste, accounting for much of the $2.2 billion in value in the acquisition, PM will now need to fight the redefinition of little cigars by use of the new carbohydrate test developed by TTB which I guess we will see when the next round of comments come out on changing the testing standard expected early next year.
I think that PM since they are the author of FDA regulation will just write it as they would like to see it written and then send a lifetime supply of black & mild wine (whine) to the fool in Massachusetts.
I’m hearing that Middleton already laid of an individual in upper management. Any one know if this is true? Are more to come?
Listen up Monte – you might be next pal!n time to quit golfing and start working on something other than your handicap!
monte cristo – I believe the rumors are more than rumors, but it has nothing to do with the sale…..
It is due to new imported management ideas that appear to have power struggle written all over it. The individual that is gone has a rapport in the industry that the new leader will NEVER achieve.
stir it up — it will be an interesting process — be interesting to see who PM puts in charge of the JM business — these two organizations operate at the opposite extremes — makes me wonder what pete paoli is doing these days at PM — hmm
Pete’s at home cooking pasta and the powers at PM are licking their chops and thinking “look what these dummies at JMI have done to date and just imagine where it can go with our brilliance!” Arrogance combined with intelligence and billions in free cash flow is a scarry thing!
I hear young John Middleton is sharing his take with every single JMI employee at some dollar level. Wonder if JG will receive anything after 22 good years??
Anybody figure out what Herzog is talking about when she says the B&M brand will help PM crack the menthol dilemna? Never saw a menthol product in the B&M line.
Yeah it’s a shame to see JG leave. What a guy! Someone will snag him soon. I can only envision a lot of people leaving due to PM ownership.
fredmertz I understand that in fact there was some sharing of the new wealth from the family. If JG was not included, shame on them. It is a shame that the CEO was killed in an automobile wreck. Was retiring after all these years…. What a real disaster…… Rumor is that many of the old guard are bailing out while they can. Not sure I blame them…..
I can only imagine the cultural shock the folks from JM who stay will experience. Probably shorten their lifes by a few years unless they move on! Wouldn’t wanna be in some of my friends shoes at JM that stay!
Feel bad for the folks at John Middleton. Wish them all the luck in the world.
Well the JM sales staff won’t be around long in that environment. PM has already announced that their sales staff will be handling the JMI products and that the current JM sales staff will “consult” as “cigar experts”. I’d say the handwriting is on the wall for the JM boys!
I read the same thing that PM was going to integrate the back wall with other tobacco products. PM reps have been instructed that they will peddling the Black & Mild products. I think most locations have the product but now it will get positioned in the PM section of the cig set from what I hear.
Is it true that PM let all the Middleton sales folks go?
PM used the trade magazines and electronic venues to push out the word that the Middleton folks are being treated fairly and will have an opportunity to work as a rep for PM. Isn’t that what the former Middleton Director of Sales thought too?????????
Like that was ever going to happen otp kid!
The mix of the two cultures would never mix. Unfortunate but at least JG knew the deal and got out when he did. Good move JG!
Any one know what John Geise is doing these days? Probably sitting back and grinning knowing he read the cards right! Would be nice to know as he was always a great guy to work with.
Thanks for the compliment! I am doing great!
Call 610-420-4742, and I would be more than
happy to talk with you, and any of my great friends
in the industry.
John,
Great to see your doing well!
I will give you a call.
I agree with JJ above it was always great working with you.
TAZ
TAZ, I am looking forward to hearing from you!
SAL,
Great – I will give you a call!
JJ
Now the VP of Sales and Marketing is out too! Shocking huh?
Are you saying Rich Fasanelli was let go?
You Betcha!!! He’s outa there!!!
Hey all not only is JG and RF gone so will anyone who is connected with servicing the JM customers along with one in accounting, one in IT and they tried to include a gal who had been moved to the office shortly before the hammer came down. Someone in upper management knew what was going to happen so a move was made to save someone. Isn’t that using insider information. What would Altria do.
Yep he’s gone. I had heard he was told he was going to be their guy and he helped them with the transition under that assumption. How naive can somebody be???
Yeah it’s a shame I worked with Rich and he is a great guy but he must have been sold a bill of goods. And yes I mean naive might be an understatement. PM can not be trusted! Others saw it coming!
Dear Short-Term Employees,
We sincerely appreciate the tremendous amount of effort and energy each and every one of you put in to combining the efforts of our 2 great companies. The growth of your cigar and pipe tobacco business over the last decade is admirable and something that makes each very proud. A stellar performance on this scale is rare in our industry.
As we move forward transitionally toward the integration of our two companies, we see a bright future for our products, our customers and our stakeholders. Unfortunately, the future for each of you as an employee is dim. We regret to inform you that your services are no longer needed; in fact, they really never were. While we appreciate the annual double-digit growth you’ve achieved over the last decade, we remain clear and certain that your growth pales in comparison to what we could have achieved had we had your products in our portfolio.
We wish you much success in your future ventures and we are sure you will be happy if you achieve half of the success personally as we will be having now that you are out of the way.
Should you have any questions, please contact 1-800-ILUVFDA.
Thank you,
Seymour Butts
PM keeps rolling with Middleton. They have told the majority of the Home Office personnel in Limerick (Middleton’s headquarters) that they will all be released in February. I have been told that sales of Middleton products are way down with the major distributors reflected decreases of over 40% (only word of mouth). I have heard that some of the supervisors in the PM sales force (who now carry Middleton goods) state that “PM just didn’t know what they were getting into”. How can PM be surprised in the figures when they fire the sales force who built the company and the increases?
Haven’t heard that the majority of JMHQ office personnel will be gone. If sales are down that much, perhaps it is the loss of the motivated sales force and their belief in the product they were selling along with the personal attention the JM customers were probably being given, all of which put the company in the spotlight to be taken over. Darn shame.
Hey Bluesinger,
I heard the same as you that folks are seeing volume declines in JM products and that retailers & wholesalers miss all the JM folks. It’s really ashame to see the folks get screwed. It’s also ashame that the PM folks that now have to sell are missing the one key item that made JM fun and that was the relationships developed with the JM folks. Trying to deal with PM is like getting your teeth pulled. Very little enjoyment.
If –the numbers are down, does anyone really believe that they will increase when PM begins to enforce their rules/regs for being a direct buying customer?
Any thoughts on what the future will be then for Middleton other than no more Middleton and no more #1?
Some will find the following of interest as Black Max is a competitve product to JM’s Black & Mild.
Altadis USA launched a new little cigar brand called Black Max Menthol, available in packs of 20 little cigars. (CSPNet.com 08/13)
JM probably already knows but what will actually be done about it is anyone’s guess.
Without anyone really watching and all the promotions out there, it would not be surprising if another brand slips through to become #1.
Isn’t menthol the leading flavor ?
yes all the employees got a share of jm take from the sale but its going around that we didnt get the share jm wanted us to get people at the top took what they wanted first is this true??? anyone???
i would love to know too. maybe someday will know the truth the way i feel is, WHAT COMES AROUND GOES AROUND. hope they saves enough to keep there lifestyles the same when there unemployed.
It’s a shame that so many get caught up in what they are doing each day and don’t take the time to look at the world they live in. I have many friends that work for UST and I told them to get ready for the possibility of a PM purchase and not one of them took it to heart. I feel bad for these folks as they will soon be joining the ranks of displaced tobacco sales reps! One of the reasons I took a package from the old WS group.
I sure would like to hear any input in regards to wouldlove2no on 11/14. December 1 was the last day for the President of Middleton, Wil Riddington. He is out, and most likely only the start.
It’s general consensus that PM has just absolutely screwed up the JM acquisition. Those who do not see this really are just being feed a line from PM. Look out folks at USST – Hope MK stands up to PM management!
You are so correct limerick. And so many people are affected. JMI was a wonderful company, had the #1 cigar pack in Black & Mild, and everyone respected everyone else. JMI treated their people fairly. And the trade respected Middleton. No More! Another fine company bites the dust along with its people. And you are correct limerick, “look out folks at USST”.
I think maybe saying Jm treated their people fair might only be true to some of their people.
beencheated, its funny you said that now the president left?? did he want to leave or was he let go??
I’d love to know what really took place at JM in it’s final days. I can not imagine that it was a very nice transistion.
me to who is next to leave? will the whole company move?
Well it is happening as just yesterday my PM representative shared with me a retail leaders like presentation that had focus on Black & Mild. Telling me where it should be placed and of course let’s clean up the counter, lets be non self serve. let’s reduce signage – What TOTAL BS! Well loooks like the start of what many have feared! I get so tired of their political correctness which just a smoke screen people. Why don’t folks truly see what is going on here!
The transition was not pleasant Johnie Jay. A big song and dance and we knew we were being lied to. Treated like a second class (or third) class person. PM just has no regard nor respect for anyone.
yeah and wait till the folks at USST feel the “love” PM style!
just don’t touch my copenhagen!!!
clint price jr. is leaving and kent smith so i hear how will they explain this they are to young to retire
is it true wil came to work today to see everyone before the hoildays and was told by t.w to leave????
The truth is, pillow bitter, that PM does not have to explain anything to anyone – PM does whatever it wants and to hell with everyone else.
remember at that meeting when the company was sold they said things wont change know reason to change?
THe interesting thing will be to see what the folks at USST will do. I’m sure many will be feed a a line and they will say oh isn’t PM so nice they are going to treat us so nice and than wham the hammer will be dropped. The smart will leave like JG did at JM before the hammer comes crashing down!
wouldlove2know, remember at the November meeting announcing the sale of the company when John Middleton got up and said he had been seeking a company to buy JMI that would maintain the same “family values” which the Middleton family stood for. “And I found that company in Philip Morris.” Yeah, right!
I’d love to know if any one can elaborate on whether any conversation was given like the above at USST. We found a great company that will further the “brotherhood”. Then we will see how many folks remain in CT.
i do think that pm does not care about anyone or how long u have been with the company its all about making there pockets bigger. i know its a business but come on where does the family values come in?
comment #36 any answers on that?
notsure, I understand that is the rumor that is running rampant in the plant. It is terribly difficult to know if there is any truth in the rumor.
And Smoker Gal – what do you mean by “We found a great company that will further the “brotherhood”. Then we will see how many folks remain in CT.
the rumors latley have had a lot of truth to them if it is true we might never know and if it is true i hope it eats at them forever!! what comes around goes around.
You are right on notsure. Greed is a powerful force.
Does anyone really know whats going on at jm? There’s alot of talk but no action.
I really do not think anyone, including PM, knows what to do with JM. It is a shame to see such a fine company dwindling down to oblivion.
To whatajoke. JM either is or will be reduced to a factory. Then on the next shareholders report it can be reported that more cost savings were taken by moving the sales & dist to PM which resulted in a savings of so many hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Always watch out for the word synergies. It is a death sentence to those who serviced the customers.
Oh yeh, quite a few sure things going on. Wonder what the next sure thing will be. Expanding and then pubishing they are creating jobs.
WOW
Definately some things going on. I heard JMC is firing everyone in the factory, lowering the machines to the floor and hiring a bunch of oompa loompas. Apparently they spread less rumors…
Changes needed to be made.
what do you mean, positive?
comment#36 NOT TRUE , PEOPLE SHOULD THINK ABOUT THINGS THEY MAKE UP. THAT IS BULLSHIT!!
WE NEED EXPERIENCED MANAGEMENT PEOPLE TO GUIDE THE PEOPLE THAT ARE STAYING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION.
comment#51 he was only there to pick something up not to visit. maybe the people who think he stole our money made that one up also.
I have a friend whose brother works for ust and he’s out of a job the end of this month looks like pm is downsizing all around. To comment on the money issue it’s no secret that alot of money was and still is being made no one really knows where or who…..
It is apparent that Positive is a true “company man” and truly indoctinated. He certainly thinks the company does no wrong, and must enjoy PM eviscerating the purchased companies.
Clessbutts #64
What kills me is that people who don’t have experience are being promoted while other people who are good and hard workers are being let go and the position that is being emptied is not being filled with someone losing their job. It is going to remain empty.
It seems that every time there is a position available management just gives the job to someone without even considering anyone else. I guess you have to be part of the group or really liked by management.
jobs are going to be posted for office and factory postions.
maybe positive is one of the good old boys.
Ok, now I am confused.
This is all the result of the blatant nepotism that existed within John Middlton for years. The bubble
has burst, and the air stinks! Meanwhile, Johnny Boy sits back and counts his money that he shared with
you…to the tune of .000001 of the sale! I believe he
missed that 1st grade primer lesson called “sharing”!
From what i understand calling the hotline does no good it goes directly back to a jmc office. As long as the same management is in place it’ll be same old crap different day. I just can’t believe that altria/pm can continue to let it go on this way oh thats’right it isnt’ about the people just the money$$$$$
As far as the job postings, where are they and why would people without any experience be given newly created positions. So much for integrity and fairness.
I used to work at john middleton. I just can’t figure this one out. I am very familiar with altria and their integrity policies. Sounds to me that it is just a document to attract potential shareholders. My money will be better invested with a company that has better values.
The only values that PM has is for the monetary rewards of the executives. In the eyes of PM, their employees are just worthless and expendable And it holds true even more with companies that PM purchases – an example is how they fired the entire Middleton sales force and sales management, the same sales force that took Black & Mild packs to #1 in the country.
I happen to know this girl who lost her job. If i was to start my own company she would no doubt be the first person i would hire. They don’t come any better than her. That company is losing a winner by letting her go.
Truth, you hit the nail right on the head!
Purchasing and accounting are on the way out at the end of march from what i hear.Also i hear that the factory has a lot more work load and some new rules and regulations coming in but no mention of more money in their paychecks.
Tonight on 60 minutes they interviewed the workers from DHL who are losing their jobs as well after their company, Airborne Express, was bought out. There were similarities but, I wonder if the local government, in Limerick/Royersford, were notified of the job eliminations as required by law and if so, will some reporter pick up on it and decide to contact Middleton about it to confirm.
Also, I have also been hearing that the factory is unable to keep with the work due to Altria/PM controls of limiting hours. If than it is a shame and wonder how long it will take before the customers begin to feel the shortages, which will then cause late payments, which will then cause fewer sales, which will then cause product to be returned because they can’t pay for it, which will then cause the factory to be able to meet the Altria/PM mandates of filling their warehouse in Richmond (I think) so when Altria talks about the 1st quarter 2009, they will were able to meet their plans.
As far as more money for the factory workers, that will probably come later after everyone else has been eliminated.
There is a lot of stuff out there so time will tell what actually happens to Middleton. What I believe will happen is that all the brands that made the company desirable to PM will be discontinued and all they will focus on is the Black & Mild name not the actual product,
Please move on with your own lives. Focus on your own jobs and stop making false accusations and ignorant comments towards others. It is what it is!Think about your own competencies and self-worth, rather than putting other people down. It is those people with their own insecurities about themselves and their own jobs who are making such comments.
Life is not fair! The sooner we accept that fact, the easier it will be to move on.
Hey Move On, You must have been one of the lucky ones to have made a ton of money off the sale.
Tough to forget lies and injustices, they tend to stick to people like glue and clog up future relationships.
Move on, my ass!
Allowing unforgiveness and bitterness to rule your thought processes is not a healthy way to live. It can lead to many physical and emotional difficulties for years to come. It’s necessary to “unclog” or the results will be not be favorable. Fortunately I am not and have not been an employee of JM or Altria, I am just a friendly bystander.
Hats off to you “Move On” at last an outsider’s point of view to put everything into perspective. For those of you thriving on hatred and jealously…grow up. High school years are over. It’s time to stand on your own merits and achieve your goals. Stop blaming others for your short-comings!
Horsing around should stop horsing around and choose your words wisely. Speak of first hand knowledge or better yet, you may not want to speak at all!
Clessbutts, chicken farmer, and horsing around (among many others) your identity is not hidden, be very careful what you say from this point forward.
What a joke…
I apologize for my unkind words- I’ve said too much- These changes are unfortunate and frustrating.I’ll try to keep my opinions to myself!
I apologize for my unkind words- I’ve said too much- I’ll try to keep my opinions to myself!
??
Hey Anonymous, please clarify for Clessbutts,chicken farmer,and horsing around (among others) why they have to watch what they say. Do we not live in America where we have freedom to speak and write what we wish? Or should I apoligize for getting caught up in the idealism of Moving ON? Finally, you obviously believe in the anonymous protection of this blog,
or you would have had the balls to put your name in the header rather than call yourself Anonymous.
Hiding something are you?
I apologize for my unkind words- I’ve said too much- I’ll try to keep my opinions to myself!
why would you apologize for saying what you think?
It sure sounds like Anonymous is someone from PM trying their best to squelch any and all information that may be close to the truth.
No additional information is needed. Yes we have the freedom to speak our minds, but there are often consequences to our choice of words.
Yes we have the freedom to speak our minds, but there are often consequences to our choice of words. If we spoke our minds without filtering what we say, we could surely end up without a job, with no friends or family, possibly even in jail. Speak with intelligence, not emotions!
Would they please bring on the oompa loompas already! This stuff’s getting too deep!
agreed, candy.
All you people need to stop your bitching and grow some balls and speak up at the next monthly meeting about your concerns. Next Friday is the next meeting, lets see if anybody speaks up.
This internet game is very unprofessional and should be over. Join myspace or facebook if you want to play internet games. Tobacco Today is no longer a place for games. Best wishes to EVERYONE! Life goes on…
Thank you very much for ensuring the integrity and professional quality of this blog site!
Well said MOVE ON
Wow, now that it has been a year, I thought I would read and see how the sale has affected the cigar industry. What a surprise to read a column that appears to have become an outlet for the company’s employees to vent frustrations, concern. Did I also read a vailed threat to some for expressing those concerns ?
Glad I don’t work there !
What I would like to know is, with the change in selling to the retailer rather than the wholesaler/distributor, did the number of retailers carrying Middleton products increase, decrease or remain somewhat the same as the warehouse clubs picked up sales.
Who censored the comments?
Where did those the comments go?
Who controls this blog Philip Morris?
So I see some comments about lady friend were removed, which is fine if that’s the way it’s going to be. So shouldn’t the comments from Move on , Sunshine, Stop Horsing Around also be removed? Because I felt a veil of a treat in their comments so why can theirs stay and others have to go? Is it another sign of favoritism? If you going to erase someones comments you have erase the others to. Again it’s all perseption(spelling). People are scared, angry and fighting for their livelihood. Many people have spent so much time here(JMI, JMC) they have called it a second home. So now some are being told to hit the road. This is a venting process. Everyone was told nothing will change. People just want to vent . No threats were made against Lady friend it was observation people were talking about, but threats were made against the people that stated their opinion on what they have seen or the way things were made to be appeared. Nothing was directed at her, but comments(veil threats) were directed at those how thought they were seeing injustice.
It’s truly time to let go and move on. Things will be the way they are going to be. Be smart and find another way to vent and occupy your time. Thank you very much!
Remove it all and end this blog already!
Hey, the blog was doing just fine until the PM boys got involved and starting to threaten (even hinted at jail). Instead of removing the blog, why not just remove them.
.
I’m quite happy having a job, family, friends, and no police record.This is my last comment before I say something dumb and get myself into trouble. With technology today, surely people could figure out my identity. I’m content keeping a low profile and limiting my risks. Best wishes to everyone in future endeavors!
Hope PM people put an end to some of the supervisors’ favoritism . Seems to be alot of it.
I’ve been wondering a few things? Since PM purchased JM has volume gone up or down? Has the product really reached more retail locations? Has PM brought any innovation to the product line? Is the plant still being operated in PA? I sure do love smoking those sweet cherry blends!
Big Tuna — same question I had recently. What do all the reseach firms say the Middleton market share is for 4th qtr 08? I would suspect that it dropped. Would also like to know if Middleton still has several brands in the top 50 or whether they too have fallen.
Tried the Black& Mild wood tip yet ?
Wasn’t the main reason PM bought Middleton to capitalize on ‘helping’ Middleton to increase market share — or was it to just increase one brand and forget the rest.
The plant is still operating in PA.
To yo — document
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Thank you
Lou
Thank you for the clarification Lou and for restoring the integrity and professional nature of this website!
I second that statement thank you! Let’s act with respect and some integrity.
I believe that JM volume is up for the year by about 4%. My questions though are how much of this an over distribution that may go out of code as I think the product only has 6 month life. If i’m incorrect I ‘d love to know. Plus I have a question. PM has a no return policy on cigarettes. Did they put this in place with Black & Mild? I know that the wholesale community was not thrilled with the initial distribution approach by PM with Middleton products. Has that been corrected? I’d also like to understand what has been put in place at retail as it relates to contracted space? Please help my understanding.
It’s obvious after looking at several of the postings that this blog is an awesome source of knowledge. I can understand folks get upset with change and I am sympathetic but these merger things are happening in every industry. No government bailout though will grace the tobacco industry as it is truly governments whipping post as well as it’s cash cow!
Returns are still in effect with all Middleton products. While not positive on this, there have been returns on over stocked earlier promotions.
Shelf life is 2 years from date of manufacture which as I understand is on the shipping carton. There has always been a bit of confusion as to the way this is indicated on their shipping cartons.
Product is good for 2 years. A lot of customers can’t handle the overhead. So they order what they need to met the incentives and get there extra credit or check then return the product. To reorder again for the next months incentives. You can’t sell cigars like cigerettes it’s a whole different ball game. Like trying to get baseball rules to fit with a football game.
I’ve got GREAT NEWS!!!!!!!!!!
These Middleton blues, are melting away
were gonna make a brand new start of it
in RICHMOND V.A.
just a rumor?
Famous last words!!!
i am starting to miss the old companies BS, they where not that bad it seems. At least we had job security then the small stuff that went on wasn’t that bad after all, the grass is not always greener on the other side. I would take the old companies BS any day, for the BS we are getting now
I think things are going to be alright, we jus need to slow down and wait to see what happens. but prepair yourself and your family for anything.
Hey tru blu – you have to be kidding. “Things are going to be alright”? The sales force all fired, the vast majority of the office personnel fired, and you are saying “things are going to be alright?” Perhaps you are in the factory and feel some type of protection, but your advice, “prepair (sp?) yourself and your family for anything” is much more accurate than saying everything is going to be alright.
I agree with gotta be kidding – in today’s tobacco world you need to be actively considering other industries! Consolidation + SCHIP + FDA all within a matter of a year! WOW! What a storm! But don’t be worried as it’s all working out as planned by the folks at PM.
You are so right-on limerick. PM is working it all out, with employees the collateral damage. With the CEO of PM pulling in $32M/year, I am sure he is quite happy (this figure is not confidential – it is on the web, as PM is a public company).
…
http://www.forbes.com/lists/2008/12/lead_bestbosses08_Michael-E-Szymanczyk_YCZX.html
Correction: It is $23.1M
PM is breaking ground in Virginia….hmmmm. Wonder if they’re taking the JM plant down there. Best check it out! MAYBE they’re going to give the unemployed workers from NC the jobs that JM employees currently have.
PM might as well move JMC to Virginia. They have already screwed up things here. If they move to Virginia they can start with a clean slate with all the dumb hillbilly inbred employees from here gone. (SARCASM)
Interesting in my mind that the govt will continue to provide stimulus plans to companies that don’t need the plan. HR 1108 should be titled the Marlboro Stimulus Plan!
Hey how are things going out in Limerick, Pa. seems pretty quiet lately. I heard that John Giese is working for CAO in Nashville, TN. Any truth to that he was a good guy!
John is a great guy and yes, working for CAO. In Limerick, they are slowing eliminating everyone that was connected to Middleton except the people in the factory. Should make a movie named ‘The Demise of a great Name’.
Press Release
JOHN GIESE JOINS CAO AS MASS MARKET NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING
Nashville, March 18, 2009: CAO International, Inc. is pleased to announce the appointment of John Giese to the position of Mass Market National Director of Sales & Marketing. In his new role, Giese will develop and maintain metrics of CAO’s mass market sales process and be an integral part of the Company’s mass market branding strategy.
Prior to joining CAO, Giese spent 21 years as Director of Sales with John Middleton, Inc., and served six years as Regional Sales Manager with General Cigar Co. He is a past recipient of the “Tobacco Man of the Year” award from the Southern Association of Wholesale Distributors and was awarded the “Captain of the Industry” honor by the Pennsylvania Distributors Association.
“I am excited to be a part of such a dedicated, passionate, and knowledgeable team as CAO,” commented Giese, “and I am looking forward to further building the mass market cigar segment with the Company.” Added CAO Chairman Gary Hyams, “John’s experience and unique perspective will be a great help to CAO as we look to grow our service, sales, and brand awareness nationally in the mass market segment.”
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CAO International, Inc. is the producer of one of the country’s top lines of premium cigars. Founded by Cano A. Ozgener in Nashville as a labor of love 41 years ago, today CAO products can be found on every continent in the world with the exception of Antarctica. CAO produces 11 cigar lines that have all been rated ‘90’ (“OUTSTANDING”) or above by Cigar Aficionado and Cigar Insider.
its unfortunate that people are losing there jobs at a time like this, but this is big business… Im not sorry for some people who are losing thier jobs they should have been gone a long time ago!!!! maybe the playing field of advancement will be a lil more even.
wow
spoken like a true corporate hack tru blu!
I see Kevin McCorry has disappeared from the JMC web site! Was he banished to the Altria Gulag like Joe Workman? He must be so wealthy that he can retire in his early 50’s. The reality is he was fired like the rest of upper management. I quess the only ones left know how to pucker up when necessary.
You hit on the nose! The KMA folks have away of always staying around and they will only hurt the business by bowing to the all mighty King Mike!
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