De la Fargue to head up Hail & Cotton

Hail & Cotton International Group (HCIG) has hired Michael de la Fargue as president and CEO.  De la Fargue brings more than 20 years of relevant tobacco leaf experience, having most recently served as vice president of leaf services in Africa for JTI.  He replaces Warren L. Corbin who served as HCIG’s president/CEO for the past eight years and will continue as a member of the board of directors.“I am very excited to be joining the HCIG team,” days De la Fargue. “Having had several business dealings with HCIG in previous years, I have always held the company in high regard. I look forward to establishing a strong working relationship with our customers, grower base and suppliers. Together with my colleagues, I will continue to provide our customers with the highest possible quality and service, build on the platform Warren has established, retain and enhance the company’s reputation and values, and grow shareholder value.”“Our diligent search to find the right person has paid off with Mike joining our group,” says Corbin. “He brings to HCIG a tremendous knowledge of the global leaf industry and a strong background of helping customers fulfill their needs. I am pleased to have Mike in the position of leading HCIG in the coming years. ”Prior to joining JTI, De la Fargue served as group director and shareholder for Tribac Leaf.  Before joining Tribac, he held several leadership positions with Universal Leaf Tobacco working in Europe, Canada and the U.S.  De la Fargue intends to relocate to HCIG’s headquarters in Springfield, Tennessee, USA, by the end of the year.