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CAA INSIGHT > L. to r.: Pictured at the 2019 IPCPR Trade Show in Las Vegas, Nevada in July are Dylan Austin, president, Davidoff Americas; Beat Hausenstein, chief executive officer, Oettinger Davidoff AG; and Eddie Simon, chief marketing officer, Oettinger Davidoff AG.
The Key to Davidoff’s Future Success Davidoff Americas’ new president, Dylan Austin, applies his decade-long experience immersed in Davidoff brand marketing and sales to his latest role overseeing the global brand’s largest market. > BY CRAIG WILLIAMSON
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hen Dylan Austin was promoted to president of Davidoff Americas earlier this year after overseeing the company’s sales and marketing division, he wasn’t quite sure what to expect. “My days are a lot busier,” Austin now says after nine months on the job. But Austin is humble. Being charged with one of the largest market segments for one of the industry’s most premier brands says a lot about his leadership and vision. As he approaches the one year mark on the job, Austin is looking to move the prestigious Davidoff brand forward in a counterintuitive way—by preserving much of what’s been done in the past.
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A DECADE LATER Austin joined Davidoff AG in 2008. Originally serving as director of marketing, he rose to head of marketing, then head of marketing and sales for the Americas. His domain included North America, Latin America, and South America, as well as the company’s duty-free operations. A decade later, he oversees more than 100 U.S. employees and the largest market for a well-known global company. This now includes managing human relations, legal, and operations departments—as well as continuing to play a heavy role in sales and marketing. “Time management is more important than ever,” he notes.
PRESERVATION AS THE KEY TO THE FUTURE After more than a decade in the industry, Austin is well-versed in the litany of challenges facing both his company and his peers.
Photos: Davidoff Americas
Preserving the Premium:
New responsibilities notwithstanding, the rise and transitions have been easier with Davidoff, Austin says, in large part because “our company is brand led.” He is only the fourth president of Davidoff Americas in the last century. When asked if he feels the pressure of taking on such a large role at a historic company, Austin says simply, “Of course. This is a great responsibility.” Austin also recognizes that Davidoff is a global brand, known throughout the world for its premium products and exceptional quality. “Being part of a global company means there will always be changes and transformations,” Austin says noting worldwide IT changes that Davidoff has implemented in the last year. “But we always stay focused on delivering quality, premium products to our customers.
> Dylan Austin, president, Davidoff Americas.
