Perfetti Van Melle recruits Rebecca Dunphey as new Americas president

Global confectionery group Perfetti Van Melle has recently named Rebecca Dunphey as its new President for the company’s Americas Business Unit, as the business prepares for Sweets & Snacks Expo, writes Neill Barston.

The former Kraft-Heinz executive, who has a twenty-year career to her name including having also previously worked for Unilever, has taken on the role from Sylvia Buxton, who recently gained honours from the National Confectioners Association for her contribution to the wider sector.

As the company noted, under her leadership in the region, Perfetti’s presence grew significantly during the past seven years, becoming the third largest confectionery group in the US. It now employs more than 2,300 people, covering America, Canada, Mexico and Latin America.

The business is set to make a key appearance at this year’s Sweets & Snacks Expo between 19-21 May at the Las Vegas Convention Centre. (Watch our exclusive preview with the NCA here).

Despite wider supply chain challenges, the company reported annual turnover of more than $4 billion for 2025, producing confectionery and chewing gum in more than 150 countries. Its present portfolio spans key brands including Mentos, Chupa Chups, Alpenliebe, Airheads, Center, Fruit-tella, Big Babol, Vivident, Golia, Vigorsol, Smint and Fris.

Having joined the business in the past few weeks, Rebecca Dunphey reports to Sameer Suneja who believed its latest recruit would continue the fine work achieved in the region by her predecessor.

“I’m very happy to welcome Rebecca to the Perfetti Van Melle family,” said Suneja. “As our Americas business continues to expand, Rebecca’s global P&L oversight and leadership experience will help us to continue to accelerate to meet consumer and customer demand for our unique and loved candy, gum and mint products,”  explained the group CEO of the company, which has US operations in Erlanger, KY with factories in Erlanger and Rockford, Illionois.

As for herself, Dunphey has more than 20 years of experience in consumer package goods with roles at Unilever, Kimberly-Clark, Clorox and most recently as Business Unit President at Kraft-Heinz.

The senior executive has had a variety of marketing and general management experiences across several categories in both the U.S. and Latin America. Dunphey has a passion for putting the consumer at the center and driving growth with great brands.

Commenting on her appointment, Rebecca said: “I’m thrilled and ready to join a company that is known for its iconic brands, innovative DNA and a culture that cares for its people. I look forward to building on all that’s been achieved in recent years in the Americas region.”