FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. โ€“ Tabacalera USA, the U.S.-based premium cigar operations of Imperial Brands plc, has appointed Rob Maneson chief executive officer of its JR Cigar unit, effective immediately.

Maneson, who was general manager of Tabacaleraโ€™s Casa de Montecristo division that features company-owned and licensed cigar stores, will head JR Cigar from the companyโ€™s base in Whippany, N.J. He will continue to report to the head of Tabacalera USA, Javier Estades, who said a new general manager for Casa de Montecristo will be appointed soon.

JR Cigar is one of the largest internet and retail cigar companies in the United States.

Robโ€™s elevation to head JR Cigar reflects his leadership and an experience gained in the organization over a number of years โ€“ including prior management experience with both JR Cigar and Altadis U.S.A., and most recently with Casa de Montecristo.Javier Estades