Elvis Batista to Depart La Galera for Neptune Cigar

Elvis Batista, the national sales director for La Galera Cigars, has announced that he will be departing the company to join Neptune Cigars as the retailer’s senior purchasing director.

“La Galera Cigars and Jochy Blanco will always have my gratitude and support, for the opportunity given,” Batista said in a statement. “Jochy Blanco has been one of the most important mentors in my time in this industry and in my life in general, for that I hold him at the highest esteem. I have decided to take on a new professional challenge and will continue to be a part of this amazing industry that has given me so many good friends and business relationships.”

Batista’s last day with La Galera will be Wed., Sept. 4, and he will begin working with Neptune Cigar on Thur., Sept. 5. The south Florida retailer has three locations, two in Miami and one in Fort Lauderdale, as well as an online store.

“We’re very pleased to have Elvis Batista as our purchasing director,” said Luz Normand, vice president of Neptune Cigar. “Elvis has worked for us in the past and he already has the advantage of having strong relationships with many of our vendors, plus with his experience on the manufacturing side he understands our goal for having the best quality products.”