Plasencia Cigars Promotes Javier Carranza to Vice President of U.S. Sales

Ten-year company veteran takes on expanded leadership responsibilities after helping build Plasencia’s American sales organization.

MIAMI, FL — October 20, 2026 — Plasencia Cigars has announced the promotion of Javier Carranza to Vice President of Sales, United States, recognizing his decade of contributions to the company’s growth and distribution in the American premium cigar market.

Carranza, who joined Plasencia in 2016 as U.S. National Sales Director, has been closely involved in developing the company’s branded cigar business in the United States. His promotion comes as Plasencia continues strengthening its sales organization, retailer relationships, and position within the premium cigar industry.

A Decade of Building the Plasencia Brand

When Carranza joined Plasencia Cigars ten years ago, the company was in the early stages of establishing its family-branded cigar portfolio in the United States.

Although the Plasencia family’s tobacco-growing history dates to 1865, developing a nationally recognized premium cigar brand under the family name represented a significant new chapter for the business.

Carranza helped guide that effort, building the national sales organization, expanding distribution, and establishing relationships with retailers and industry partners across the country.

His promotion reflects both his contributions to that expansion and the company’s confidence in his ability to guide its next phase.

Expanded Responsibilities in the U.S. Market

As Vice President of Sales, United States, Carranza will oversee Plasencia’s American sales organization and commercial strategy.

His responsibilities will include strengthening relationships with retail partners, developing the sales team, refining distribution strategies, and supporting sustainable growth while preserving the company’s premium positioning.

Plasencia CEO Ed Bello credited Carranza’s leadership, industry knowledge, and commitment to retailers as important factors in the company’s development.

Néstor Andrés Plasencia also emphasized the personal significance of the promotion, describing Carranza as someone who believed in the family’s vision from its earliest stages and became an important part of the organization.

For Carranza, the new position represents another chapter in a professional relationship that has spanned much of Plasencia’s modern branded-cigar history.

Experience Across the Premium Cigar Industry

Born in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, and raised in Miami, Carranza brings approximately 12 years of experience in the premium cigar industry.

Before joining Plasencia, he held positions with Gurkha Cigars, House of Emilio, and AJ Fernandez, gaining experience in cigar sales and developing relationships throughout the industry.

That background, combined with his decade at Plasencia, has positioned him to oversee the company’s U.S. commercial operations.

Why This Matters

For premium cigar manufacturers, relationships with brick-and-mortar retailers remain an important component of brand development and long-term distribution.

Carranza’s promotion places an experienced member of Plasencia’s existing leadership team in charge of its U.S. sales strategy rather than bringing in an outside executive.

It also signals continuity for retailers and distributors who have worked with Carranza throughout the company’s expansion.

With five generations of tobacco-growing heritage and an established international presence, Plasencia continues balancing its family-owned identity with the demands of a competitive premium cigar market.

The promotion gives Carranza broader responsibility for translating that heritage into continued commercial growth across the United States.

Source: Plasencia Cigars press release, October 20, 2026.