Tim Ozgener Leaves CAO/General

[Zen Cigar Man]

From General Cigar's press release:


Richmond, VA—General Cigar announces that CAO President Tim Ozgener has decided to pursue personal business interests in his hometown of Nashville, TN, thus moving on from his 16-year career in the premium cigar business.

Ozgener, son of company founder Cano A Ozgener, joined the original family business in 1994 and has since been instrumental in building one of the most renowned and respected brands in the premium cigar category.

Dan Carr, president of General Cigar said, “We remain committed to CAO and are grateful to Tim for his contributions, not only to the brand but also for sharing his knowledge with the people who will continue his legacy. While we will miss Tim’s insight and passion, we respect his choice and wish him well.”

Gary Hyams, chairman of CAO International commented, “It has been a privilege to work with Tim over the last three and a half years and to have had the opportunity to share in his passion for CAO. I wish him and his family all the very best for the future.”

Ozgener commented, “It is with a heavy heart that I leave CAO. I look back at my 16-year career with the company with great pride and I will miss the friendships that I have made over the years in the premium cigar industry. I am confident that the team at General Cigar will carry the CAO brand to new heights and I wish them the utmost continued success.”

Tim Ozgener was named president of CAO in 2006. He is largely credited with bringing innovative packaging, new flavor profiles and unique marketing concepts to the brand which has continued to thrive since the company’s inception during the cigar boom.

 

[Jetexas]

I'm sure he has enough $$$ to walk away happy. CAO does'nt get a lot of props here, but they make a quality smoke. Good luck Timmy...:waving:

 

[sucol]

I wonder if the business interests he will be pursuing will ultimately be in the cigar or tobacco industry? I would think a "non compete" agreement would be part of his departure, but who can say.

 

[TreeFrog Frank]

First, Huber... Now, Tim...

I'm a CAO fan from way back, and am kinda sad to see CAO going this way.

I'll be looking forward to see if/WHEN Huber and Tim resurface in the future!

 

[srpoutlaw]

This might be a good thing here, He would have a chance to lunch a new brand if he chooses to do so. I hate to see Tim go because general is one company I don't really care for.

 

[SkinsFanLarry]

For those of you that may not be aware of it, Tim does a pretty good "Standup Comedy Routine", maybe he will devote his time and efforts in that direction now!

 

[TreeFrog Frank]

I don't doubt it would be good thing!

Sooo... now, Tim Oz is floating around out there... and Sam Leccia is floating around out there... Jon Huber is floating around out there... maybe all the "outcasts" of the cigar world will come together! Bwa-ha-ha-ha-ha!

Sorry... was getting all science fiction, there! LOL

 

[thegoldenmackid]

There will be more than just three amigos by the end of the year...

 

[Zen Cigar Man]

don't forget Mike Chuisano

 

[Dread]

I don't doubt it would be good thing!

Sooo... now, Tim Oz is floating around out there... and Sam Leccia is floating around out there... Jon Huber is floating around out there... maybe all the "outcasts" of the cigar world will come together! Bwa-ha-ha-ha-ha!

Sorry... was getting all science fiction, there! LOL

Outcasts would be a pretty damn good name for a brand if those 3 got together

Im sure he doesnt actually feel that general is going to take CAO to new heights. Deep down he has to be hurting, it has to suck to watch something your family built get turned into just another General product.

 

[Alwayslit]

Not surprised. Selling to General was the way to go.

 

[SkinsFanLarry]

Personal statement from Tim Ozgener


From our friends at Toasted Foot comes this statement from Tim Ozgener:

Today, I find myself in need of clarifying several matters pursuant to the recent press release that was distributed regarding my departure from CAO. It is true that after 16 years I am stepping down from my position at CAO and will no longer be involved with the company effective immediately. The reasons that lead me to this most difficult decision, however, may not be as transparent.

The reality of the matter is that due to the recent merger between Scandinavian Tobacco Group (ST) and Swedish Match, a decision was made to fold CAO into General Cigar Co. (GCC), resulting in a physical relocation of CAO headquarters to Richmond, VA, from its current location of Nashville, TN. After conferring with my family, my decision was made to remain in Nashville.

Furthermore, while I have stepped down from my role as CAO President, it is a misnomer to say that I have completely abandoned the premium Cigar industry. While I am leaving the manufacturer side of this great business, I will continue my efforts on the political and social fronts in aiding to lobby against egregious anti-smoking legislation and taxation wherever and whenever I am able, as I have done during the past several years. In addition, I will continue to serve on the board of several trade organizations.

In closing, my wish is that the CAO brand will continue to prosper and grow under the watch of General Cigar Co., and that CAO loyalists will continue to enjoy their brand of choice for years to come. As I stand upon the closing page of this chapter, however, I do so with a desire in my heart to make certain that the epilogue is written with accuracy and goodwill.

Sincerely yours,

Tim Ozgener

 

[Nickerson]

Ugh.

I need to take out a loan and stock up on enough Brazilia, Italia, Gold Madurp, Black and VR to last me for life. :"(

 

[wowsley]

NOOO .... Not General :argh:

Not they CAO's my fav brand anyways but still

 

[jerseyjay]

Need to stock up on La Traviata & Brazilia !

 

[CWS]

Personal statement from Tim Ozgener


From our friends at Toasted Foot comes this statement from Tim Ozgener:

Today, I find myself in need of clarifying several matters pursuant to the recent press release that was distributed regarding my departure from CAO. It is true that after 16 years I am stepping down from my position at CAO and will no longer be involved with the company effective immediately. The reasons that lead me to this most difficult decision, however, may not be as transparent.

The reality of the matter is that due to the recent merger between Scandinavian Tobacco Group (ST) and Swedish Match, a decision was made to fold CAO into General Cigar Co. (GCC), resulting in a physical relocation of CAO headquarters to Richmond, VA, from its current location of Nashville, TN. After conferring with my family, my decision was made to remain in Nashville.

Furthermore, while I have stepped down from my role as CAO President, it is a misnomer to say that I have completely abandoned the premium Cigar industry. While I am leaving the manufacturer side of this great business, I will continue my efforts on the political and social fronts in aiding to lobby against egregious anti-smoking legislation and taxation wherever and whenever I am able, as I have done during the past several years. In addition, I will continue to serve on the board of several trade organizations.

In closing, my wish is that the CAO brand will continue to prosper and grow under the watch of General Cigar Co., and that CAO loyalists will continue to enjoy their brand of choice for years to come. As I stand upon the closing page of this chapter, however, I do so with a desire in my heart to make certain that the epilogue is written with accuracy and goodwill.

Sincerely yours,

Tim Ozgener

I always knew Tim had class. He just proved it again.

 

[JGIORD]

Its a shame. I actually liked the La Traviata line and now General will go and screw it up. So much for that cigar.

Where are the rest of my Pepins?

 

[VillageIdiot]

It's sad to see this happen to a family business, but it happens. I'm glad to see that he cares enough for his family to include them in on the decision. To me, that shows great character. General has several highly respected brands. They may not be the "in" thing now, but I enough a few on occasion.