New GM Fontem Canada

Rob Norris, head of Altadis USA, has accepted a transfer to Fontem Ventures as general manager of Canada effective Aug. 1.

Altadis USA is a unit of Tabacalera USA, Imperial Brands’ premium cigar division in the United States. Fontem Ventures is another, separate Imperial Brands company.

“Rob has been with Imperial Brands for more than 20 years and has held a variety of increasingly responsible leadership positions,” said Javier Estades, President & CEO of Tabacalera USA.

“Given his tenure here, the move to Canada is an important next step for Rob’s professional career. Rob joined our Altadis USA unit as national sales and trade marketing director in 2011. He’s also led our JR Cigars as CEO and currently serves as the head of Altadis USA.”

With the Norris transfer, Altadis also has announced reporting line changes. Reporting directly to Tabacalera USA’s President and CEO Javier Estades, will be Paul Waller, head of sales for Altadis and Oliver Hyams, head of trade marketing for Altadis.