Cigar Industry

Villiger Appoints Christoph Schüpbach As CEO

May 6, 2026 | By David Clough
Villiger Appoints Christoph Schüpbach As CEO
Photo/Villiger Group

European cigar giant Villiger Söhne Holding AG has named Christoph Schüpbach as chief executive officer of the Villiger Group. He will begin his new job on June 1. Schüpbach will take over responsibilities from managing director Clemens Gütermann, who is set to retire in 2027.

The announcement of Schüpbach’s leadership appointment comes nearly a year after the death of company owner Heinrich Villiger last summer.

“We are delighted to have appointed Christoph Schüpbach, a renowned international executive, as chief executive officer,” said Jvo Grundler, chairman of the board of directors of the Villiger Group. “With his broad experience across different industries and phases of corporate development, he will lead the Villiger Group into the future with fresh perspectives.” 

Schüpbach most recently served as chief executive officer of Regent Lighting, a business that makes lighting products. Previously, he led technology company Schleuniger Group as chief executive officer for more than 11 years. 

Villiger Söhne Holding AG is one of the world’s largest producers of machine-made cigars. The family-owned company manufactures more than one billion dry-cured cigars annually. Its premium cigar division, Villiger Cigars North America, makes brands such Villiger La Capitana, Villiger La Vencedora, Cuéllar Caribe and Villiger 1888 Gran Reserva.

Read Next: ProCigar Elects Ciro Cascella As Its New President

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