Hershey Names V.P., Snack Platforms and Tech Center Operations
HERSHEY, Pa. -- The Hershey Co. here said yesterday that ex-Frito-Lay exec Mary Parsons has been named v.p., snack platforms and tech center operations, effective immediately. Parsons will report to Dan Azzara, v.p., global innovation and quality.
Parsons will be responsible for research and product development programs for Hershey's snack platforms. She will also oversee tech center operations and sensory science and insights.
"Mary brings more than 20 years of experience in product and packaging innovation, R&D, and consumer insight," Azzara said in a statement. "She is a recognized leader in all aspects of innovation, from consumer insight to global launch, and has contributed to the success of some of the world's largest snack brands. Mary will play a key role as we continue to bring exciting new products to market and improve process and formulation on existing items."
Most recently, Parsons was v.p., research and development at Frito-Lay, where she led the R&D team responsible for innovation and process development for a wide range of snacks, cookies, crackers, meats, and nuts. Prior to this position, Parsons was v.p., worldwide technology and quality assurance at Frito-Lay, where she had responsibility for a team developing new snack products for international markets.
She joined Frito-Lay as a project engineer/section manager in 1987. Parsons started her career with Dow Chemical as a project engineer.
Parsons will be responsible for research and product development programs for Hershey's snack platforms. She will also oversee tech center operations and sensory science and insights.
"Mary brings more than 20 years of experience in product and packaging innovation, R&D, and consumer insight," Azzara said in a statement. "She is a recognized leader in all aspects of innovation, from consumer insight to global launch, and has contributed to the success of some of the world's largest snack brands. Mary will play a key role as we continue to bring exciting new products to market and improve process and formulation on existing items."
Most recently, Parsons was v.p., research and development at Frito-Lay, where she led the R&D team responsible for innovation and process development for a wide range of snacks, cookies, crackers, meats, and nuts. Prior to this position, Parsons was v.p., worldwide technology and quality assurance at Frito-Lay, where she had responsibility for a team developing new snack products for international markets.
She joined Frito-Lay as a project engineer/section manager in 1987. Parsons started her career with Dow Chemical as a project engineer.