search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • HOME
  • NEWS
  • PRODUCTS
    • CHOCOLATE
    • NEW PRODUCTS
    • GUMS & MINTS
    • GUMMIES & JELLIES
    • HARD CANDY
    • LICORICE
    • NOVELTY CANDY
    • CANNABIS CANDY
    • FRUIT & NUT CANDY
  • INGREDIENTS
    • SWEETENERS
    • FLAVORS & COLORS
    • CHOCOLATE INGREDIENTS
    • FRUITS & NUTS
    • NUTRITIONAL
    • FUNCTIONAL
  • EQUIPMENT
    • PROCESSING
    • PACKAGING
  • EXCLUSIVES
    • GLOBAL TOP 100
      • SUBMIT YOUR COMPANY
    • SWEET 60
    • STATE OF THE INDUSTRY
    • RETAILERS
    • MANUFACTURERS
  • TRENDS
    • SUSTAINABILITY
    • BETTER-FOR-YOU
    • SUGAR-FREE
    • VEGAN
  • DIRECTORY
  • MORE
    • BLOG
    • NEWSLETTER
    • VIDEOS
    • PODCASTS
    • STORE
    • WEBINARS
    • CONTACT
      • CONNECT
    • ADVERTISE
    • EVENTS
      • Sweets & Snacks Expo
  • Back to SFWB
Candy IndustryCandy Industry TrendsCandy Industry News

Perfetti Van Melle names head of sales, U.S.

Kim Yansen most recently led the Walmart business at Mondelēz International.

By Candy Industry Staff
Kim Yansen
Courtesy of Perfetti Van Melle
October 21, 2025

Perfetti Van Melle has appointed Kim Yansen as head of sales, U.S. She brings more than 20 years of experience in sales and marketing leadership across global consumer brands.

As a member of the commercial leadership team, Yansen will oversee sales strategy across the U.S. market. Her focus will include strengthening customer partnerships, advancing commercial execution, and supporting growth across the company’s portfolio, which includes Airheads, Mentos, Trident, and Chupa Chups. She succeeds vice president of sales Dan Hamilton, who will retire later this year after eight years with the company.

“We are thrilled to welcome Kim to the Perfetti Van Melle family,” says Brian deWerff, senior vice president and commercial general manager, Perfetti Van Melle North America. “Her impressive track record, strategic mindset, and passion for building inclusive, high-performing teams make her an exceptional addition to our leadership team.”

Yansen most recently led the nearly $3 billion Walmart business at Mondelēz International. Her previous roles include leadership across the value and drug channels and heading U.S. shopper marketing. She has been recognized for her results-driven approach and focus on team culture.

“I’m incredibly excited to join Perfetti Van Melle and contribute to the growth of such iconic and beloved brands,” says Yansen. “I look forward to partnering with our customers, building on the strong foundation already in place, and working with the talented team at PVM to drive commercial excellence and make life sweeter.”

Yansen holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and accounting, as well as an MBA. She also serves on the board of the local Boys and Girls Club and supports organizations including NextUp, the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank, the American Diabetes Association, and Habitat for Humanity.


Related: Perfetti Van Melle drives innovation in hard candy

KEYWORDS: Perfetti Van Melle personnel

Share This Story

Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!

Recommended Content

JOIN TODAY
To unlock your recommendations.

Already have an account? Sign In

  • cookies stacked

    The top 50 snack and bakery companies of 2024

    The top-selling companies among baking and snack players...
    Top 50 Snack and Bakery Companies
    By: Jenni Spinner and Liz Parker Kuhn
  • IHOP new menu inspired by "IF" movie

    Most popular new products: May 2024

    Products range from a Reese’s Puffs collaboration with...
    Snack Products
    By: Liz Parker Kuhn
  • state of the industry bakery: 2024

    State of the Industry 2024: Bakers continue to show resilience and creativity

    For the past several years, the baking industry has faced...
    Bakery Products

 

More Videos


Get Connected!

FACEBOOK x YOUTUBE LINKEDIN

Connect with us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, or LinkedIn to receive updates and to network with other industry professionals just like you!


Related Articles

  • Perfetti Van Melle logo

    Perfetti Van Melle names Craig Cuchra as marketing VP for U.S., Canada

    See More
  • Perfetti Van Melle names president, business unit Americas

    Perfetti Van Melle names president, business unit Americas

    See More
  • Perfetti Van Melle logo

    Perfetti Van Melle NA names Paula Dart as VP of growth & transformation

    See More
×

Snack on the latest trends, news, and developments!

Stay in the know with Snack Food & Wholesale Bakery, the premier source of information for snack, bakery, and confectionery professionals.

JOIN TODAY!
  • RESOURCES
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Directories
    • Store
    • Want More
  • SIGN UP TODAY
    • Create Account
    • eMagazine
    • Newsletter
    • Customer Service
    • Manage Preferences
  • SERVICES
    • Marketing Services
    • Reprints
    • Market Research
    • List Rental
    • Survey/Respondent Access
  • STAY CONNECTED
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
    • X (Twitter)
  • PRIVACY
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • TERMS & CONDITIONS
    • DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
    • PRIVACY REQUEST
    • ACCESSIBILITY

Copyright ©2026. All Rights Reserved BNP Media, Inc. and BNP Media II, LLC.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing