Top Takeaways:

• Leaf Forge, an Xcaliber International affiliate, named Steven Crossland the director of operations
• Crossland brings more than 10 years of experience in tobacco and manufacturing, most recently at Hail & Cotton
• Xcaliber CEO Derrick Taylor said the hire supports operational expansion and supply chain execution.

Leaf Forge, an affiliate of Xcaliber International, announced that it has appointed Steven Crossland as its new director of operations.

Crossland brings more than a decade of leadership experience in the tobacco and manufacturing sectors. Prior to joining Leaf Forge, he served as vice president of cut rag sales at Hail & Cotton, where he managed the commercial aspects of processed tobacco products and worked closely with customers throughout the supply chain.

In his new role, Crossland will oversee Leaf Forge’s day-to-day operations, including production planning, operational execution, and supply chain coordination. His remit also includes optimizing manufacturing efficiency, aligning production schedules with customer demand, and supporting the company’s long-term growth objectives as it expands its operational footprint.

Derrick Taylor, chief executive officer of Xcaliber International, said Crossland’s experience would be instrumental as the company continues to scale its processing and manufacturing operations.

“Steven brings deep industry knowledge and operational expertise that will be critical as we continue to expand our infrastructure and strengthen our supply chain,” Taylor said. “His background in tobacco processing and sales positions him well to help Leaf Forge execute on its growth strategy.”

Leaf Forge operates as a tobacco processing and supply operation within the broader Xcaliber group, which has expanded its presence across multiple segments of the tobacco value chain, including leaf sourcing, processing, manufacturing, and finished product distribution. The company has increasingly emphasized vertical integration and operational efficiency as part of its long-term strategy.

Crossland’s appointment comes as manufacturers and processors across the tobacco sector face heightened pressure to improve cost control, logistics coordination, and production flexibility amid shifting regulatory environments and evolving market demand. Companies with in-house processing capabilities have sought to strengthen operational leadership to ensure consistency, traceability, and reliability throughout supply networks.

Before joining Leaf Forge, Crossland’s tenure at Hail & Cotton included leadership roles in sales operations and customer engagement within the cut rag segment, a key input in cigarette and other tobacco product manufacturing. His experience spans both commercial and operational functions, aligning with Leaf Forge’s focus on integrating production execution with customer requirements.

Xcaliber International has continued to invest in its processing and manufacturing infrastructure as part of a broader effort to enhance internal capabilities and reduce reliance on external suppliers. The addition of a dedicated director of operations at Leaf Forge reflects that ongoing emphasis on execution and operational scale.

The company did not disclose a timeline for further operational expansions or investments.