Curran joins USTC

U.S. Tobacco Cooperative (USTC) has hired industry veteran Declan Curran as director of leaf quality, a newly created position.

Previously, Curran worked for Phillip Morris International where he had been manager of processing and quality since 2006. He joined Phillip Morris USA/Altria in 1999 as supplier processing manager.

Prior to his position with Phillip Morris USA/Altria, Curran was customer manufacturing support and quality systems manager with Dimon International, a predecessor company to Alliance One International.

“I am excited to join the USTC family,” said Curran. “USTC is a new, progressive organization that is shedding old notions of ‘stabilization’ and moving forward as a premier supplier of U.S. leaf to the tobacco industry.”

“Declan has deep experience and understands leaf processing and quality,” said USTC CEO Stuart Thompson.

“His responsibilities will include evaluation of our current leaf operations from the time of acquisition through shipment, improving product value, reducing green conversion costs and overseeing the SRTP [Social Responsibility in Tobacco Production] program. We are very pleased to have Declan join USTC and add to the strength of our evolving organization.”