Ed Bello Named CEO of Plasencia Cigars

Plasencia Cigars has appointed Ed Bello as its new CEO, effective April 1. Bello, a former Diageo executive, will take over from interim CEO Jim Young, who will transition to an advisory role after a three-month handover period.

Bello brings a wealth of experience from his 15-year tenure at Diageo, where he most recently served as Chief Marketing Officer of Catalyst Spirits, an incubator known for brands like Howler Head banana-flavoured whiskey. Prior to Diageo, Bello spent more than a decade at Procter & Gamble, further strengthening his credentials in brand development and global business strategy.

“We are extremely excited to welcome Ed to the Plasencia business as CEO,” said Nestor Andrés Plasencia in a press release. “Our family and partners have enormous confidence that he is the perfect fit to head our efforts to develop and grow our beloved brand to fulfill its potential and keep lighting up souls. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Jim for stepping in as CEO when he did and for his ongoing commitment to Plasencia.”

Jim Young, like Bello, has a background at Diageo. Before entering the cigar industry in 2011 with Davidoff, Young spent years at the liquor giant. He left Davidoff in early 2021 and stepped in as Plasencia’s interim CEO in September 2023. His continued role as an advisor ensures a smooth transition for the company.

This year is proving to be an active one for executive changes in the cigar industry. Last month, Davidoff announced Emanuele Uccellini as the new head of its U.S. operations, filling a role that had been vacant for nearly a year. Additionally, Glenn Wolfson, CEO of Drew Estate, is expected to retire later this year. These shifts signal a dynamic period for leadership in the premium cigar industry.