Les Mann Joins Quality Importers/XIKAR as EVP of Sales

Les Mann will now lead the salesforce of XIKAR and Quality Importers.

Mann, a longtime veteran of cigar accessories, has joined Quality Importers as the new evp of sales. He will oversee the company’s joint salesforces, including XIKAR which QI purchased earlier this year. He most recently held the same role at Colibri.

His first day at the company was yesterday.

“The opportunity ahead with QI and their family of brands is very exciting. My years with S.T. Dupont and Colibri have made me a strong and passionate believer in the power of brands,” said Mann in a press release. “QI has also demonstrated a keen understanding of the significance of brand building, and I am excited to provide my knowledge and experience in helping QI execute its mission. Given the professional and personal relationships I have developed with industry retailers, manufacturers, media and consumers, it was very important for me, personally, that I remain in the trade as part of the next chapter in my life.”

He will report directly to Michael Cellucci, the president of Quality Importers.

“Our promise to this Company and our customers is to dedicate the resources necessary to create an organization that develops innovative products and provides superior customer service. I believe the addition of a seasoned professional like Les is a testament to that promise,” said Cellucci. “I have known Les for over 10 years, and I am beyond excited to bring on someone who shares in our aggressive vision for growth, initiated by our recent acquisition of Xikar.”

Quality Importers acquired XIKAR earlier this year. The Kansas City-based company has the largest footprint in premium cigar accessories. It was the 18th acquisition in the 18-year history of Quality Importers, whose other brands include Palió, Stinky and others.

“Les brings over 30 years’ worth of B2B sales experience to QI. His level of engagement and excitement is truly inspiring and will surely raise the bar for our organization,” said Michael Giordano, ceo of Quality Importers. “The addition of Les delivers on our commitment to not only build upon our product offerings, but also our senior leadership as we aspire to be the world’s leading supplier of cigar and smoking accessories.”

Mann effectively replaces David Frazier, who served as the vp of sales and marketing for XIKAR.