Casa Turrent, Mexico’s premier cigar brand with a storied legacy in the tobacco industry, has announced the appointment of Ricardo Carioni as Head of Business Development, effective immediately. Carioni will bring his broad experience to support Casa Turrent’s global growth strategy and drive expansion across new markets and verticals.
As part of his new role, Carioni will work closely with Alejandro Turrent, CEO of Casa Turrent, to expand the brand’s reach, diversify and enhance product offerings, build partnerships, and reinforce Casa Turrent’s commitment to quality, innovation, and education.
“Ricardo will play a fundamental role in our vision and strategic plans to grow and scale our business across all verticals,” said Alejandro Turrent. “He will work alongside me building new and strengthening current partnerships to further develop Casa Turrent’s range of products and expand our presence in new markets. He´ll lead new projects to increase the quality, variety, and efficiency of products we offer around the globe, fostering sustainable growth in key areas through innovative initiatives.”
“While I´ve been growing our international presence since the year 2000, reaching already 80 countries, Ricardo’s appointment is an important step in the strategic plan designed for the immediate future and the coming years” Turrent continued. “I will personally focus on the US market, as we plan to build up our sales division, with representatives across key territories.”
“I am genuinely honored to join Alejandro and the Turrent family,” said Carioni. “This role is a responsibility I take with profound commitment and excitement, as we work to preserve and grow our cherished tobacco culture. I am eager to collaborate with our partners and industry stakeholders to strengthen and develop our industry. As co-founder of The Cigar Academy, I will continue to advocate for education across the trade and among cigar enthusiasts, which I believe is essential to the longevity and integrity of the cigar world.”
Born in Nicaragua, Carioni has a distinguished background in the premium cigar industry as COO of Tor Imports in Great Britain, CEO of Gesinta in Spain, and as founder of The Cigar Academy. His professional journey also includes his diplomatic role as Nicaragua’s Deputy Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Iceland, including his contributions as official representative to the United Nations Maritime Organization, and international organizations in the coffee, sugar and cocoa sectors. Previously, he led content strategy and operations across various geographies for TripAdvisor and William Hill.