Roy MacLaren & Fabian Barrantes Out at Villiger

Earlier today, Villiger Cigars North America announced that Roy E. MacLaren, president, and Fabian Barrantes, North American director of marketing, have “severed” from the company.

In a letter address to retailers, Villiger indicated that “the majority of the US marketing efforts will be integrated with Europe to be consistent with global brand strategy.” It’s unclear what that means for the fate of the Villiger Connecticut Krēmē, Trill by Villiger and the Villiger Cabareté Maduro—three lines announced shortly after the company hired Barrantes.

MacLaren has been with Villiger since 2012. he oversaw the development of the Villiger Colorado and Talanga products, which both launched at the 2012 IPCPR Convention & Trade Show.

The company announced that Shawna Williams, vice-preisdent, will work with Patrick Fitzgerald, cfo, to lead the North American operations. It’s unclear whether either of the former positions will be filled.

Villiger Cigars North America is part of the larger privately-owned Villiger Group (Villiger Söhne Holding AG), which celebrated its 126th anniversary this year. It includes a large presence in machine made cigars globally with its Export product, as well as a large presence in the German and Swiss markets as the distributor for Habanos S.A.

News of the departure was first reported by The Cigar Authority.