Lance Smith will join the National Confectioners Association as EVP of customer and industry affairs in January, reporting directly to NCA President and CEO John Downs.
Smith, who has more than 22 years of experience in consumer packaged goods, confectionery and retail distribution, will work to strengthen NCA’s relationships with retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers and other stakeholders.
“Lance understands the opportunities and challenges facing our member companies and the broader retail landscape, and he brings a unique perspective shaped by decades of experience on both the manufacturing and distribution sides of the business,” Downs said. “His leadership and industry relationships will be tremendous assets as we continue to strengthen the value NCA delivers to our member companies.”
Smith most recently served as EVP of sales and industry affairs at PIM Brands, where he spent seven years in multiple sales leadership roles. Before PIM Brands, he spent 15 years with McLane Company, building experience in retail distribution, customer engagement and commercial strategy.
A longtime NCA participant, Smith has served as chairman of the association’s State of the Industry Conference and on committees through NCA, NACS and the Convenience Distribution Association. He is a graduate of Texas A&M University and resides in Texas with his wife and two daughters.
Washington, D.C.-based NCA represents the U.S. confectionery industry, whose member companies drive $55 billion in retail sales of chocolate, candy, gum and mints.
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