ED BELLO TO JOIN PLASENCIA CIGARS AS CEO

Plasencia Cigars, a world-leading premium tobacco grower established in 1865, announces that Edward (Ed) Bello will join the company as Chief Executive Officer. Ed will take up the CEO position with effect from April 1st, 2025, and will work closely with Jim Young, current CEO, to ensure a smooth handover. Following a transition period of 3 months, Jim will continue to support Ed and the organization as an advisor and as a Board Member.

Ed joins Plasencia, and the premium cigar industry, after an impressive career in the Beverage Alcohol industry, including nearly 15 years with Diageo. Prior to that, Ed spent 13 years with one of the world’s most prominent FMCG companies, Procter & Gamble. Most recently, Ed was the CMO of Catalyst Spirits, LLC, a start-up brand incubator. Before that, he led the Luxury Spirits business unit in North America for Diageo following senior roles leading the company’s global marketing efforts in both the whiskey and vodka segments, which included managing the iconic Bulleit and Ketel One brands.

Following the very strong and consistent growth of the Plasencia brand since its launch in 2017, Ed will lead in the effort to take the business to the next level. Ed commented: “I am delighted to join Plasencia Cigars and am excited to help the company fulfill the amazing future that the Plasencia brand clearly possesses. I am humbled that the Plasencia family place their trust in me to lead this effort and the amazing team already in place. I look forward to working closely with the family, with Jim and with the team to fulfill the promise that the Plasencia brand clearly holds.” 

Nestor Andres Plasencia commented: “We are extremely excited to welcome Ed to the Plasencia business as CEO. Our family and partners have enormous confidence that he is the perfect fit to head our efforts to develop and grow our beloved brand to fulfill its potential and keep lighting up souls. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Jim for stepping in as CEO when he did and for his ongoing commitment to Plasencia.”