Kretek International Promotes Jason Carignan, Albert Jose

Jason Carignan is now the new president of Phillips & King International, one of America’s largest tobacco distributors.

Kretek International announced that it has promoted Carignan, previously chief marketing officer of Kretek, to the president of both Phillips & King and TMG International, the latter of which is the parent of the Tobacco Plus Expo trade show.

Sergio Montolfo, evp and general manager of Phillips & King, will report directly to Carignan.

“I have tremendous confidence in Jason Carignan, who has championed many of the company’s key successes over the years,” says Sean Cassar, president of Kretek in a press release. “With Jason at the helm of Phillips & King, we’re ready to rapidly advance our business modernization efforts in order to capitalize on the many growth opportunities ahead and to achieve our corporate objectives.”

Albert Jose has been promoted to svp of sales and marketing for Kretek International, he previously served as director of marketing for Kretek.

Kretek International owns its own cigar company, Ventura Cigar Co., but it is also one of the largest customers for many premium cigar brands due to its massive distribution footprint, which includes all 50 states, various U.S. territories, and military bases. While premium cigars are part of its business, Phillips & King sells all specialty tobacco products including mass market cigars, e-cigarettes/vaping products, and a variety of other products.