The Cigar Association of America announced Thursday that President and CEO of Tabacalera USA Inc., Javier Estades, has been elected to a three-year term as Chairman of CAA. Estades previously served as Chairman from 2016 to 2020.

“Javier Estades has always just been one of those people who gets it,” said Cigar Association of America President Craig Williamson. “When he stepped down as Chairman, I said that we would miss his leadership, affable demeanor, and steady hand, and now I am thrilled to welcome Javier back as our Chairman once again.”

Williamson added, “Challenges remain ahead for our industry, but with Javier’s leadership and our continued commitment to speaking as one voice for the cigar and pipe tobacco industry, I know we will navigate the days, months, and years ahead successfully.”

“It was an honor to serve as Chairman of CAA and I am excited to once again join my partners in industry to lead this century-old association,” said Estades. “We continue to face a perfect storm of regulatory intervention, increasing tax burdens, and evolving industry trends. We will have to join together to preserve our industry for future generations.”

Javier Estades Saez, President and CEO of Tabacalera USA Inc., is responsible for leading premium cigar operations in the United States, which include Altadis U.S.A., JR Cigar and Casa de Montecristo.

The Cigar Association of America is a national trade association representing cigar manufacturers, importers, and distributors, as well as other major suppliers to the industry. The organization takes pride in working on behalf of the entire industry. Originally founded in 1937, the CAA can trace its roots back to other predecessor organizations founded before the turn of the last century. CAA is the oldest advocate for the cigar industry.