Longtime Fuente executive Wayne Suarez has left Arturo Fuente Cigars. Suarez, who started working with Fuente in January 1992, left on August 1 after more than 20 years with the company, one of the world’s largest premium cigar makers.

Suarez said he had no immediate plans for the future. “I’m going to take some time off,” Suarez said. “I’d like to thank the Fuente and Newman families for a great run.”

In his role Suarez oversaw all Fuente sales in the United States, traveling the country and working with cigar retailers. He was headquartered in Tampa, Florida, at Fuente/Newman Premium Cigars Ltd.

“I’m heartbroken,” said Fuente president Carlos Fuente Jr. “Wayne is my brother and he will always be my brother. I hate to see him leave, but I understand. I will always wish him the best.”

When asked if he envisioned a return to the cigar industry at some point, Suarez said: “It’s a great industry. I have a lot of great friends. Anything is possible.”