Movers and Shakers The right people in the right roles can make all the difference Bitzel’s Chocolate names new NA Director of Sales


Bitzel’s Chocolate is excited to announce that it has promoted Lisa Henderson to the new position of North America Director of Sales. Henderson was formerly the company’s head of business development, building relationships such as Bitzel’s recently announced partnership with the Atlanta Vibe professional volleyball team. Before joining the Bitzel’s team


last year, Henderson worked in the luxury country club space in various sales roles, most recently working for the PGA Tour as Director of Sales and marketing for TPC Sugarloaf. “Lisa has been instrumental


in developing some of our most important accounts,” says Bitzel’s founder Ray Bitzel. “In her new role, one of her top goals will be to focus on growing beyond Georgia and the Southeast, developing the strategy and the resources to help us grow at a scalable pace. It’s a challenge for any young company, but Lisa has proven she has the knowledge and the skills to help us get there.” “The goal is to have Bitzel’s


Chocolate sold in amusement parks and sporting venues across America, Mexico and Canada,” Henderson says. “We’re partnering with teams here locally in Atlanta but would


love to expand that reach further. Customization is our specialty, and sports teams have really fun mascots and logos to feature! I also plan to focus on the hospitality and travel


Lisa Henderson


spaces – hotel groups, cruise lines,  Bitzel’s chocolate would be a perfect addition to luxury amenities offered throughout these spaces.”


NCA names Callebaut’s Jerry Hagedorn as Chair


The National Confectioners Association (NCA) has announced that Jerry Hagedorn, executive vice president for Barry Callebaut, will assume the role of Chair of the NCA Board of Trustees for a two-year term. Hagedorn most recently served as Vice Chair and will take over for departing NCA Board Chair Tony Jacobs, president of Bazooka Candy Brands. “As the confectionery industry faces


unprecedented challenges and unique opportunities, Jerry Hagedorn’s proven steady leadership will be an enormous asset to our dynamic and diverse


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membership,” John Downs, NCA president & CEO, said. “He is an innovative thinker and a tremendous advocate with decades of industry experience, and he  the way forward into our next chapter.” “The $48 billion confectionery


industry is a vital force in the American economy, so I am honored to step into this role at such a pivotal


time,” Hagedorn said. “Consumers consistently turn to their favorite chocolate, candy, gum, and mints to enhance special moments. I look forward to working together with the NCA membership and staff to advocate for our great industry.” Hagedorn previously served as the


Jerry Hagedorn


association’s Vice Chair and led NCA’s Chocolate Council. His career in the


industry spans over three decades, having spent 14 years at Brach’s Confections before joining Barry Callebaut in 2006. He was inducted into the Candy Hall of Fame in 2019.


Kennedy’s Confection March 2025


KennedysConfection.com


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