Bugatti Group Names Rick Ardito New National Sales Director

The Bugatti Group has a new national sales director, Rick Ardito.

Ardito joins the company with more than 22 years in the cigar industry, most recently working with Foundation Cigar Co. as the brand manager for the company’s The Upsetters line. He departed that position this past May, and said he debated departing the business to pursue a teaching and writing career full time.

“After leaving Foundation, I left my options wide open,” Ardito said in a statement to halfwheel. “This industry has a way of permeating your bones, so I paid close attention to opportunities before departing altogether. I was certainly aware of the buzz surrounding the new Bugatti lighters at this year’s PCA, but after Antoine (Gendre) handed me a Bugatti Vulcan, with its replaceable fuel pod and ignition burner cylinder, I was stunned—it’s rare to encounter a design this revolutionary in any industry,” he added.

He noted that he made the decision to join the Bugatti Group after spending time with Gendre, the company’s president, and respected his approach to business as well as the company’s plans for growth.

“The Bugatti Group LLC has been looking to elevate our presence in the U.S. market,” said Gendre, via a press release. “In order to capitalize upon the success of Bugatti’s revolutionary new lighter line, I began looking for a key individual that could really coordinate our sales force and help drive our brands, which also includes our cigar brand marks. Rick’s name came up over and over again by the many who’ve known him and his have witnessed his talents”

Ardito’s career in the cigar industry includes time with Drew Estate, where he rose from a sales representative to vp of sales and marketing, as well as 7-20-4, where he was the director of marketing and sales.