Jimmy McGhee, former Head of Communications and Training for UK Cuban cigar importer, Hunters & Frankau, has taken up a new role as Commercial Manager at JJ Fox of St James’s.
After 16 years of working with Hunters & Frankau, during which he designed and wrote the Master of Havana Cigars qualification, Jimmy is moving back to an old friend – he started his career in cigars with JJ Fox many years ago.
“I had a great time at Hunters & Frankau and will always be proud of the small part I played in its rich history. Coming back to James J. Fox does feel a bit like coming home, I suppose. Naturally, a great deal has changed since I was last here, but I am delighted to say that the core values and commitment to excellent service remain in place.”
JJ Fox is a name synonymous with cigars. Apart from being one of the world’s oldest cigar stores, where the likes of Winston Churchill and Oscar Wilde bought their favourite smokes, it has also held eight warrants for supplying the Royal household and is a popular stopping off point for the UK capital’s cigar lovers. As well as an extensive walk-in humidor in the beautiful old downstairs store and the ‘museum’ where one can see cigar artefacts, ledgers and even sit in Sir Winston’s favourite chair, the upstairs lounge has been refitted in recent years to keep up with the demand from customers keen on sampling their next box purchase.
The Masters of Havana Cigars is a trade qualification, which requires extensive knowledge of Cuban cigar brands, sizes, special editions and pairing options. It is considered one of the highest qualifications in the cigar world and there are currently only 66 qualified Masters in the world. Jimmy McGhee was the driving force behind the creation, training and delivery of this award since its inception in 2013.
Well-known and respected in the UK cigar world and beyond and considered an expert voice on Cuban cigars, Jimmy will now be looking to explore further ways to make the most out of JJ Fox – one of the world’s most unique cigar stores.
