SPRINGFIELD, Tenn. — The Board of Directors of Hail & Cotton International Group (“HCIG”) has announced the hiring of Michael de la Fargue as President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. de la Fargue brings more than 20 years of relevant tobacco leaf experience, having most recently served as Vice President of Leaf Services in Africa for JTI. He replaces Warren L. Corbin who served as HCIG’s President/CEO for the past 8 years and will continue as a member of the Board of Directors.
“I am very excited to be joining the HCIG team. Having had several business dealings with HCIG in previous years, I have always held the company in high regard. I look forward to establishing a strong working relationship with our customers, grower base and suppliers. Together with my colleagues, I will continue to provide our customers with the highest possible quality and service, build on the platform Warren has established, retain and enhance the company’s reputation and values, and grow shareholder value.”, said Mr. de la Fargue.
Mr. Corbin commented, “Our diligent search to find the right person has paid off with Mike joining our Group. He brings to HCIG a tremendous knowledge of the global leaf industry and a strong background of helping customers fulfill their needs. I am pleased to have Mike in the position of leading HCIG in the coming years. ”
Prior to JTI, Mr. de la Fargue served as Group Director and Shareholder for Tribac Leaf Limited. Before joining Tribac, he held several leadership positions with Universal Leaf Tobacco working in Europe, Canada and the U.S. Mr. de la Fargue intends to relocate to HCIG’s headquarters in Springfield, Tennessee by the end of the year.
Hail & Cotton International Group grows, purchases, processes and stores leaf tobacco for supply to manufacturers of all consumer tobacco products. Its diverse product mix represents all major leaf types, including dark fire cured, dark air cured, sun cured, flue cured, burley and oriental tobacco. The company was formed in 2011 as a result of the merger between Hail & Cotton, Inc. and CdF International Group, two of the longest existing leaf supply companies in the world.
Contact: Tony Murr
Phone: +1 615 384 9576