The premium cigar industry is mourning the loss of Glenn Wolfson, Chief Executive Officer of Drew Estate, who passed away after leading the company through one of the most significant periods in its history.
Wolfson joined Drew Estate in 2016 following a 34-year career in management consulting. During the past decade, he oversaw a period of operational growth and organizational transformation that helped position Drew Estate among the world’s largest premium cigar manufacturers while maintaining the company’s distinctive culture and longstanding relationships with retailers, consumers, and industry partners.
In announcing his passing, Drew Estate credited Wolfson with strengthening the company’s operations, reinforcing its commitment to serving retail partners, and expanding its role in supporting the premium cigar industry.
“Glenn loved Drew Estate, its people, its brands, its culture and the broader premium cigar community,” the Drew Estate Executive Team said in a joint statement. “He was a transformational leader, a trusted partner and a deeply valued friend. He challenged all of us to think bigger, lead with discipline, protect what makes Drew Estate special and build this company to last.”
Jonathan Drew, Founder and President of Drew Estate, reflected on Wolfson’s influence both inside and outside the company.
“While Glenn’s talents in business, operations, and general commercial practices drove the company to new heights, his influence as a people person was his separate-amongst-equals…his superpower,” Drew said. “He instinctively knew how to bring out the strengths in others while mentoring them through their challenges.”
Drew also noted that Wolfson devoted himself to the people around him, whether they were members of the Drew Estate team, retail partners, distributors, suppliers, or others throughout the premium cigar community.
Throughout his tenure, Wolfson became a familiar presence at industry trade events and among retail partners, helping guide Drew Estate through a period of continued innovation while emphasizing long-term relationships across the trade.
Drew Estate announced that its Executive Team will continue leading the company until a new chief executive officer is appointed.
The Premium Cigar Association extends its condolences to Glenn Wolfson’s family, friends, and the entire Drew Estate team during this difficult time.