Swisher President Neil Kiely is now the company’s CEO, the Jacksonville-based cigar maker’s board of directors announced Dec. 5.
Kiely adds the title after being named president in September 2021 with the retirement of President and CEO John Miller.
Kiely leads the strategic growth, transformation and diversification of Swisher’s portfolio of products for adult consumers, bringing more than 30 years of experience growing and transforming consumer packaged goods companies.
The board also announced that Jeffrey Brown is executive vice president of Swisher Sales.
Brown brings more than 37 years of industry and leadership experience in several consumer categories including cigars, e-vapor and cannabidiol, Swisher said in a news release.
“Between his experience leading large sales teams and introducing new products in innovative ways, Jeff has earned this opportunity and is well equipped to lead us as we continue to transform and diversify our product portfolio,” Kiely said in the release.
The executive move come after Chris Howard was promoted to Swisher executive vice president, external affairs and new product compliance in November.
Kiely, Brown and Howard are part of the company’s executive leadership team, comprising Jacinta Carter, executive vice president, human resources, people and culture; Christopher Casey, executive vice president, legal/general counsel; and Edward Barlow, senior vice president, operations.
Swisher is an international lifestyle company for adult consumers. Best known for Swisher Sweets Cigars, the company maintains a global manufacturing presence in Santiago, Dominican Republic; Esteli, Nicaragua; and Wheeling, West Virginia.
