The Cigar Association of America, Inc. (CAA) announced today that it has hired a new president.  For only the third time in almost 30 years, CAA – the leading trade association representing the entire cigar industry – will have a new president.  Following a thorough and extensive search process, CAA will be led by David Ozgo, who for 20 years has been Senior Vice President, Economic and Strategic Analysis, at the Distilled Spirits Council (DISCUS).  Ozgo takes over from longtime CAA President Craig Williamson, who last year announced his retirement.

“David has demonstrated the ability at DISCUS to develop data driven solutions to industry issues, to successfully deliver the industry’s message in different forums and mediums, and to work constructively with various segments of an industry whose members vary greatly in size and product portfolio. These are precisely the skills CAA and the cigar industry need to navigate through current and upcoming regulatory and legislative challenges” said Javier Estades, Chairman of the Board of CAA and President of Tabacalera USA.

Ozgo said he “couldn’t be more excited to work in such an outstanding industry, one with issues and opportunities similar to those in the distilled spirits industry, and with such a strong association.  I’m honored and humbled by the Board’s confidence in me.”

Estades also praised Williamson, saying “in almost two decades with CAA, the last 10 years as President, he has been a tireless advocate for the entire cigar industry.  Many of our industry’s successes have resulted from his hard work, we are grateful for his dedication, and wish him well in the future.”

David Ozgo will begin as the CAA President on December 6th.