Alan Willner Named VP of Marketing for General Cigar

The seizure of counterfeit Cohibas in Key West isn’t the only bit of good news from the General Cigar camp, as the company also announced that it had bolstered its team with the addition of Alan Willner as vice president of marketing.

Willner’s primary goal will be to help increase General Cigar’s already impressive market share.  Reporting directly to company president Dan Carr, Willner’s list of responsibilities is broad, and will include heading the company’s platforms in the realms of consumer and trade marketing, international sales and marketing, public relations, event and innovation, and customer relationship management.  As if that was not enough, Willner will also take on the task of directing New York City’s prestigious Club Macanudo.

Luckily, Willner has 20 years of experience to help him in his transition to such a demanding post with one of the cigar industry’s leading companies.  Prior to being hired by General Cigar, Willner served as president and CEO of Starr Hill Brewery, a craft brewery and partner of Anheuser-Busch.  Willner is credited with boosting Star Hill’s product line and distribution and helping it flourish into one of the fastest growing breweries of its kind in the United States.  Willner also held leadership posts with an impressive lineup of companies that includes Coors Brewing Company, Diageo, and Nabisco, and served as Chapter President for the American Marketing Association.

Willner commented on his upcoming role in the press release from General Cigar, saying: “As premium cigar smokers increasingly seek connectivity with the brands they enjoy, and as retailers seek new ways to expose consumers to the premium cigar lifestyle, I am excited about the opportunity to work with our team of cigar masters and artisans to bring their passion to life.”  Dan Carr added: “We are thrilled to have someone with Alan’s unique blend of strategic planning, brand building and product development expertise. Alan’s experience and vision will help further define our brands and we look forward to the contributions he will make toward driving deeper market penetration and consumer engagement.”