Scott Pearce Leaving PCA to Become CAA President

Scott Pearce is leaving one cigar association for another, as today, it was announced he is leaving his role as executive director of the Premium Cigar Association (PCA) to become the president of the Cigar Association of America (CAA).

“I am humbled and honored to take the reins of the CAA,” said Pearce, in a press release. “I am optimistic about the future for our industry and look forward to working with the great companies and people of CAA to drive greater value for members and develop new advocacy strategies to both defend us and catapult the industry to new heights.”

Pearce has been the executive director of the PCA since 2018, when it was known as the International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers Association (IPCPR), and is scheduled to depart the organization on May 24 and will start his new role at CAA on May 28. He replaces David Ozgo, who resigned in early February.

Prior to joining the PCA, Pearce was the director of marketing for the American College of Radiology, a role he held for nearly eight years. He also served in a similar position at the International Road Federation for nearly six years.

“Scott is uniquely positioned to grow and bring innovative lobbying and advocacy to CAA,” said Chris Howard, CAA board member and chair of CAA’s committee that sought out its new president. “His depth of experience working in industry and trade groups and his most recent experience with PCA provides CAA a leader who is prepared to take on the difficult issues our association faces.”

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While Pearce is departing PCA, he will still be working with the organization on a regular basis, as the CAA said that one of his main duties will be continuing to collaborate with other cigar industry trade groups and associations, namely the PCA as well as local and state tobacconist associations to represent the premium cigar industry at all levels.

In the interim, Joshua Habursky, the PCA’s deputy executive director, will fill the vacancy and oversee operations in coordination with PCA’s Executive Committee and Board of Directors.

“With change comes opportunity,” said Habursky in a press release. “Scott was part of a team of staff and a board of directors that resurrected an organization that faced tough times during the pandemic. The association is in a strong position and will continue to be the advocacy leader for premium cigars, host its world-class trade show, and grow all facets of its membership with our existing team.”

“We are grateful for Scott’s time at PCA that saw transformative positive changes for the association from advocacy to trade show and especially grateful that he was able to work with us to hire an incredible team that will have a lasting legacy even after he leaves the organization,” said Scott Regina, PCA board president, via a press release.

CAA primarily represents a diverse group of companies that include the largest premium cigar brands—Altadis U.S.A., Davidoff, Drew Estate and General Cigar Co.—as well as others like AJ Fernandez, J.C. Newman and Perdomo. The country’s largest retailers—Cigars International, Famous Smoke Shop and JR Cigar—are also members, as are tobacco growers. Its membership also includes companies that focus on non-premium cigars like Djarum and ITG Brands. During Ozgo’s tenure, the organization expanded its membership to welcome new members, including Miami Cigar & Co. and Quality Importers Trading Co.

PCA, meanwhile, primarily represents specialty tobacco retailers while supporting cigar manufacturers and partners in the industry. It is best known for its annual trade show but also works to support retailers and engages in legislative advocacy at multiple levels of government.

Image courtesy of the Premium Cigar Association.