Oettinger Davidoff AG has announced a significant leadership addition with the appointment of Javier González as Senior Vice President and Head of Global Marketing & Innovation, effective January 1, 2026. In this newly focused role, González will steer worldwide marketing strategy and brand development for the company’s portfolio of luxury cigar brands, including Davidoff, AVO, and Camacho.
González steps into the position as part of a broader organizational refinement at Davidoff. Long-time marketing leader Edward Simon, who has served as SVP Head of Global Marketing & Innovation since 2018, will shift his focus wholly to sales as Senior Vice President Chief Sales Officer beginning in the new year.
Bringing more than two decades of global experience, González arrives at Oettinger Davidoff from Avolta AG, a Swiss-based travel retail and duty-free group where he most recently served as Global Marketing and Digital Innovation Officer. His career also includes brand and marketing leadership roles with major consumer and lifestyle companies, giving him a broad perspective on customer engagement and omnichannel strategy.
As SVP Head of Global Marketing & Innovation, González will lead initiatives across brand strategy, communications, digital marketing, partnerships, and retail-focused experiences. His mandate is to build on Davidoff’s premium positioning while finding new ways to deepen connections with adult cigar enthusiasts worldwide. This will include evolving how the company tells its brand stories, embraces digital engagement, and supports strategic growth across markets.
In accepting the role, González emphasized his respect for Davidoff’s heritage and craftsmanship, as well as his desire to leverage innovation to enhance consumer experiences. His appointment reflects Davidoff’s commitment to balancing tradition with forward-looking brand development at a time when premium cigar culture continues to expand and evolve.