– FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE –

Avo Uvezian 22 March 1926 to 24 March 2017

March 24, 2017 – It is with great sadness that we share the news that our beloved friend, cigar legend

and talented music composer, Avo Uvezian, has peacefully passed away earlier today. This sad news

comes almost immediately after celebrating his 91st Birthday this past Wednesday, March 22nd.

We recognize that Avo’s passing is a tremendous loss to our industry – he was enormously

appreciated by all who had the pleasure to come into contact with him – consumers, retailers,

manufacturers and acquaintances. Hans-Kristian Hoejsgaard, CEO of Oettinger Davidoff, commented

“Avo has been a huge personality across the globe and was part of the Davidoff family for over 30

years and we will sorely miss his passion, his personality and his wonderful talents as a cigar man and

as a music man.” Jim Young, President Davidoff North America adds “Avo was incredibly energized by

his engagement with the business and was constantly bringing new ideas to think about. An evening

with Avo was always an unforgettable evening of great conversation, laughter and warmth. We shall

miss him deeply.” Scott Kolesaire, who manages the marketing program for Avo and knows him

extremely well, added: “up until the end, the daily phone calls and free-flowing ideas were part of our

everyday conversations. Avo was my friend, a life mentor, and a person unlike any other. I will miss

him dearly.”

On behalf of all of Oettinger Davidoff and Avo’s friends across the premium cigar industry, we extend

our sincere condolences to Avo’s family – his wife Nivia, daughter Karyn, sons Jeffrey, Robert and

Ronny and their families.

Media contact (USA)

Scott Kolesaire

Sr. Brand Manager

Davidoff of Geneva USA

scott.kolesaire@davidoffusa.com

Tel. 727-828-5400

Media contact (Global)

Oettinger Davidoff AG

Melanie Büscher

Media Relations & PR Manager

Global Marketing & Innovation

Hochbergerstrasse 15

CH – 4002 Basel

Tel. +41 61 279 36 24

media@oettingerdavidoff.com

oettingerdavidoff.com