Eladio Diaz leaves Tabadom. That basically means that Eladio Diaz leaves Oettinger Davidoff after thirty-five years. Both Oettinger Davidoff and Eladio Diaz did not comment on what his next step is. It could well be that the 68-year-old industry veteran is retiring, but these old soldiers hardly ever do.

In a statement, Oettinger Davidoff says “Eladio Diaz (68), one of Oettinger Davidoff’s most accomplished Master Blenders, has been committed to the company for more than thirty-five years. Eladio Diaz had in the past years progressively handed over his day-to-day tasks and he continues to share his passion and longstanding know-how in his current role by developing the new generations of Oettinger Davidoff Master Blenders while at the same time advising on tobacco procurement and growing as well as cigar production.”

Tabadom

Hendrik ‘Henke’ Kelner started Tabadom in 1984 and quickly hired Eladio Diaz. First as a master roller, but Diaz quickly became the right-hand man for Kelner. Especially when Tabadom grew overnight in 1990. Before 1990 Tabadom was known for The Griffins and AVO Cigars. Through Avo Uvezian, Kelner met Dr. Ernest Schneider from Oettinger Davidoff. They were looking for a production partner in the Dominican Republic after parting ways with Cubatabaco. Tabadom became that partner.

Diaz has been an instrumental part of making the Dominican Davidoff a success. He was one of the master blenders for Davidoff, he was in charge of cigar production and tobacco cultivation. He was truly a right-hand man for Kelner and rose to the top levels of Tabadom when the company grew. With Kelner stepping down last year, and Diaz leaving Davidoff now, it looks like the end of an era.