Davidoff’s Tabadom Gets New General Manager

Davidoff has announced that Hamlet Espinal has succeeded Henke Kelner as general manager of Tabadom Holding, Inc., the Dominican-based production company operated by the Swiss giant.

According to a press release, Espinal’s promotion became effective Jan. 1. It comes after 15 years with the company, recently serving as head of operations and vice-president.

“Hamlet has been a key member of the Management Team for many years – as such he has learned from Henke Kelner every aspect of our operations in the Dominican Republic,” said Hans-Kristian Hoejsgaard, ceo of Oettinger Davidoff AG and chairman of Tabadom Holding, Inc., in a press release.

“We are thankful to Henke Kelner for the perfect succession planning at Tabadom Holding, and we all look forward to working with Hamlet in his new role.”

Kelner, the public face of Davidoff’s Dominican manufacturing operations, will continue with the company including in the role of vice-chairman of the Tabadom Board and as the chair of the company’s blending panel. Davidoff said in a press release that his role of “Davidoff Global Ambassador” will be expanded.

Oettinger Davidoff AG, the parent of Tabadom Holdings, Inc., is one of the largest company’s in the premium cigar business with $1.18 billion in annual revenues from all its business interests. Tabadom has been producing Davidoff cigars since 1989—although it actually began producing AVO in 1986 before Davidoff acquired the brand. Kelner founded Tabadom in 1983 and eventually sold it to Davidoff.