In a surprising development, Chip Goldeen, who served as the Director of Sales and Business Development at El Septimo for the past three years, has officially parted ways with the company. His tenure at El Septimo marked a period of significant transformation for the brand, which had been relatively unknown in the U.S. market prior to its acquisition by Zaya Younan in early 2019.
Chip Goldeen brought decades of experience to El Septimo, having previously served as Vice President of Sales at Ashton Distributors, Inc., where he played a key role in the success of brands such as Ashton, La Aroma de Cuba, and San Cristobal. His transition to El Septimo in July 2021 coincided with a bold push by Younan to bring the Swiss luxury cigar brand into the U.S. spotlight.
Under Goldeen’s guidance, El Septimo not only expanded its distribution network but also became known for its striking packaging, extravagant trade show booths, and exclusive high-end accessories. His contributions helped position El Septimo as a leading player in the luxury cigar market.
While El Septimo has not disclosed details regarding Goldeen’s departure, the mark he left on the brand and the industry remains significant. His departure signals a new chapter for both Goldeen and El Septimo as the cigar world continues to evolve.
El Septimo, under the ownership of Zaya Younan, has become a hot topic and an undeniably influential force in the industry. Younan’s bold investments in the brand—including sponsoring lounges, expanding U.S. distribution, and creating a distinct luxury appeal—have drawn both admiration and criticism. However, there’s no doubt that his efforts have pushed boundaries and garnered attention from cigar enthusiasts worldwide.
As the industry reflects on these changes, it’s important to recognize the role that figures like Goldeen and Younan play in shaping the future of cigars. Whether through innovation, expansion, or reinvigorating interest in luxury cigars, their impact cannot be ignored.
While I’m saddened by Goldeen’s departure, I’m eager to see what Younan has in store next. As one of the largest retailers in the industry, I firmly believe that we need active marketers like Younan—and myself—to continue pushing cigar culture into new spaces. Small niche industries, like ours, can easily be impacted by external forces such as the FDA and increased regulation. The more people who appreciate hand-rolled premium cigars and understand the difference between them and other products, the more secure our future becomes.
Unfortunately for those who came before me, the same strategies won’t cut it if we want to ensure another 20 to 30 years of growth, particularly in maintaining cigars as an approachable luxury under the $30 mark. Just look at the challenges we already face in places like NYC and California, and the restrictions seen in other developed countries.