Hershey Names Director, Customer & Industry Affairs

The Hershey Co. has promoted Brent Cotten (left) to the position of director, customer and industry affairs. In his new role, Cotten will represent the Pennsylvania-based candy maker at U.S. trade associations, trade events and customer events to help establish and build strong working relationships with U.S. customers and industry leaders. He will also be responsible for U.S. sales meetings.

Cotten joined Hershey in February 1992 as a sales representative in the Nashville, Tenn., district, subsequently rising through the ranks to the positions of district account supervisor in Knoxville, Tenn., and Knoxville district manager. He also held several leadership positions within the company, including Atlanta convenience district manager, Southeast customer sales executive - convenience, and Southeast area sales manager. In June 2007, he became director, strategic convenience retailers, in which capacity he was responsible for the sales of U.S. strategic c-store customers.

Among other honors, Cotten was elected the 2008 Southern Association of Wholesale Distributors’ Candy Representative of the Year. Additionally, he currently serves on the NACS Supplier Board Membership Committee.