Job: Chief Executive Officer (Tobacco Manufacturer)

Company Description

Our client is a privately held tobacco manufacturer and distributor headquartered in South Florida, with a long-standing operating platform and a strong concentration of business in Florida alongside an established multi-state footprint. The company competes primarily in the value segment and operates in a highly regulated environment requiring rigorous compliance, documentation, and disciplined internal controls. The organization is operationally hands-on, high-volume, and performance-oriented, with a strong emphasis on execution, efficiency, and stable distributor relationships.

Objective of the Role

The Chief Executive Officer will lead the enterprise strategy and day-to-day management of the business, ensuring sustained profitable growth, strong operational execution, and robust regulatory compliance. The CEO will translate strategic priorities into clear operating plans, budgets, and KPIs; build leadership accountability across functions; and represent the company with key external stakeholders. This role also requires active leadership in monitoring and addressing regulatory and legislative developments that can materially impact the business.

Ideal Profile

The successful candidate will be a seasoned general manager (CEO/President/GM/COO) with full P&L accountability and proven leadership in tobacco or an adjacent regulated consumer products category. Experience within a manufacturer with a distributor-driven go-to-market model, pricing governance, and high-compliance operating standards is strongly preferred. Relevant backgrounds may include leadership experience within organizations such as Altria, R.J. Reynolds, ITG Brands, Imperial Brands, Japan Tobacco International, Vector Group, Turning Point Brands, or similar regulated manufacturers/distributors. The CEO must be comfortable operating in a mid-sized, owner-led environment and balancing strategic planning with hands-on execution.

Responsibilities

• Implement the strategic plan and drive consistent execution through annual operating plans, budgets, and performance routines.
• Develop and present multi-year business plans, including portfolio and innovation initiatives, and track progress against measurable outcomes.
• Lead and develop the senior leadership team across operations, finance/accounting, commercial (sales/marketing), regulatory affairs, HR, and quality.
• Oversee end-to-end operations including manufacturing performance, supply chain, logistics/distribution, facilities and maintenance, and quality assurance.
• Ensure all activities are executed in accordance with documented procedures and applicable standards and regulations, including ISO 9001 requirements and relevant FDA, GMP, OSHA, and EPA obligations.
• Drive profitable growth through pricing architecture, trade terms, channel execution, and disciplined management of promotional/rebate mechanics typical of the category.
• Own distributor strategy and performance management, including distributor agreements, selection decisions, and contract governance in partnership with counsel.
• Monitor market and industry trends (sales volume, competitive activity, new entrants/brands, imports/exports where relevant) and adjust plans accordingly.
• Represent the company in matters involving material regulatory or legislative change; manage external advisors and lobbying resources as appropriate.
• Maintain strong external relationships with key customers, distributors, community stakeholders, and relevant industry/regulatory parties.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; MBA or equivalent strongly preferred.
• Significant senior leadership experience with broad cross-functional scope and demonstrated P&L ownership (CEO/President/GM/COO level or equivalent).
• Strong understanding of operating within regulated environments, including compliance systems, audit readiness, and internal controls.
• Demonstrated financial acumen: budgeting, forecasting, working capital discipline, and governance-quality performance reporting.
• Experience managing distributor/channel partners and commercial contracts; comfort partnering with legal counsel on material agreements.
• Ability to analyze and interpret financial reports, legal documents, commercial contracts, regulatory instructions, and internal control/procedure manuals.
• Bilingual English/Spanish capability required.
• Leadership style suited to a hands-on, execution-focused organization; proven ability to build accountability and develop high-performing teams.
• Supervisory scope is expected to include approximately 10–12 direct reports and 140–150 indirect employees.
• Based in South Florida (or willing to relocate); travel as required by customers, distributors, and business needs.