PCA Appoints as Ricardo Carioni Intl Affairs & Education Director

The Premium Cigar Association (PCA) is proud to announce the appointment of Ricardo Carioni as its new Director of International Affairs and Education. This position signals the PCA’s continued commitment to advancing premium cigar advocacy, education, and global engagement.

Ricardo Carioni brings an exceptionally unique profile to the role. A former Deputy Ambassador and official representative of Nicaragua to the United Nations Maritime Organization, as well as to several multilateral institutions in the coffee, sugar, and cocoa sectors, Carioni is a seasoned internationalist with a rare blend of diplomatic and political acumen, cigar industry experience, global business leadership, and deep cultural intelligence.  

Carioni’s career spans over 18 years across seven countries—including the United States, and nations in Latin America, Europe, and Asia—where he has lived and worked in senior roles. Throughout this journey, he has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to fostering cross-border collaboration, championing the cultural and economic value of premium cigars, and safeguarding their integrity and heritage. This global path has equipped him with a uniquely holistic perspective on trade, diplomacy, culture, and strategic advocacy.

“I am deeply honoured to serve the cigar industry through the Premium Cigar Association,” said Carioni. “As a proud Latin American, I believe in the cultural and economic importance of this industry—not only for my home country, but for every producing nation, every importing nation, and every aficionado who understands premium cigars as a cultural heritage of humanity. My commitment is to work alongside all PCA members to protect, nurture, and grow our industry through education, global advocacy, diplomacy, and strategic partnerships.”

Carioni’s appointment comes at a pivotal time as the PCA expands its international footprint and doubles down on its educational initiatives. As Chair of the PCA’s Education Subcommittee, he has already begun leading transformative projects across the U.S. and internationally, including training programs, cultural exchange efforts, and thought leadership. Caroni will be heavily involved with a new initiative that the PCA is launching with a university in South Florida and the World Cigar Show in Dubai.

“Ricardo is a catalyst who brings a ton of energy and passion to any project. His expertise will allow the PCA to refine existing projects and help service our growing membership ranks. He will be working in a versatile role to help grow membership outside of the United States, create programs for U.S. retailers in the Caribbean Basin, and develop universal education programs for all membership categories,” says Joshua Habursky, Executive Director of the Premium Cigar Association.

Before joining the PCA, Carioni served as head of development at Casa Turrent, chief operating officer of Tor Imports—the leading premium cigar distributor in Great Britain—and CEO of Gesinta, Spain’s foremost distributor of premium cigars. He is also co-founder of The Cigar Academy. This globally respected educational institution fosters knowledge and appreciation of premium cigars.

“My mission is to place education and collaboration at the heart of our strategy—equipping our members with the knowledge, tools, and partnerships they need to thrive,” Carioni added. “From cigar-producing nations to emerging markets in the Middle East, Asia, Africa, Australasia, and Latin America, we will foster deeper industry integration, celebrate heritage, and ensure our voices are heard.”

In his new role, Carioni will spearhead the PCA’s education strategy, strengthen alliances across borders, and design high-impact programs that serve members both in the U.S. and abroad. He will be instrumental in expanding PCA’s advocacy reach and reinforcing the cultural and economic narrative of premium cigars worldwide.