A.J. Fernandez Cigar Co. has announced a pair of new additions to the company, as Bernie Rodriguez has been named the company’s new director of operations, while Frank Santos has been hired as the company’s marketing director.
According to a press release issued by the company on Friday, Rodriguez will head up the U.S. distribution of the company’s cigar brands. He comes from a background in the U.S. government, holding several management positions over 32 years of service, 12 of which were with the U.S. Navy.
“I’m very happy to have Bernie on our team,” said Abdel J. Fernandez in a press release. “His wealth of knowledge and management experience from his time spent working for the U.S. government is fascinating.”
Rodriguez will be taking over the position previously held by Ricky Somoza, who resigned at the end of November.
Santos brings more than 20 years of cigar industry experience to his role, including several years with Toraño and stints with Puros Indios and PDR Cigars.
“I’m carefully creating an experienced and passionate team to help my brand and distribution’s growth,” Fernandez noted about the hires. “I believe wholeheartedly that like-minded individuals that carry the same goals as I do will help me concentrate on what I do best, which is bring you the best tasting cigars in the world.”