A.J. Fernandez Names New Director Of Operations

Source from:  Cigar Aficionado 01/13/2016

A.J. Fernandez, a company that has quickly grown into a major producer of cigars in Nicaragua, has named Enrique "Ricky" Somoza as U.S. director of operations.

Somoza had served as production manager of Tabacalera A.J. Fernandez Cigars de Nicaragua in Estelí, Nicaragua, where A.J. Fernandez makes all of its cigars, since 2013. Somoza got the job after meeting and befriending company founder A.J. Fernandez on a trip to Central America.

Somoza has been relocated to Miami, where he was born and raised, and where A.J. Fernandez has a sales office.

"Ricky Somoza is not only an integral part of the company but is part of the Fernandez family," said A.J. Fernandez in a prepared statement. "Ricky has the passion, dedication and expertise to carry on my vision for the future of the company. He will work alongside my sister Yarai Fernandez and other key family members to further solidify and strengthen our distribution in the U.S."

Cigars made by A.J. Fernandez have received several high ratings from Cigar Insider and Cigar Aficionado, including the Enclave Churchill, which scored 92 points in both publications.

Somoza replaced Kris Kachaturian, who left A.J. Fernandez in December. Kachaturian, who held the title of managing partner, remains as an adviser to the company, and also holds an equity interest. Enditem