A significant addition has been confirmed by the National Confectioners Association (NCA) as it names Alex Davidson as its senior director of public affairs and communications, reports Neill Barston.

The new appointee comes as part of an expansion of the organisation, and he will lead strategic engagement in advancing the confectionery industry’s policy priorities and protect its reputation.

According to the NCA, Davidson will develop and execute communications strategies across legislative, regulatory, environmental, and consumer issues, strengthening the industry’s voice with policymakers, stakeholders, and the public.

As previously reported by Confectionery Production, the organisation has recently instituted a significant programme of promoting internal candidates to higher positions within the group, as well as new scientific-based hires designed to respond to a more complex regulatory environment within the US under the present government administration.

In the wake of record-attendance for its Sweets & Snacks Expo staged in Las Vegas, the NCA has continued its major Sweet Land of Liberty campaign, celebrating both the 250th anniversary of independence for the US, as its confectionery sector tracing its earliest roots in the region to just over that historic milestone. 

“Alex is a proven public affairs leader with deep experience navigating complex policy issues and developing strategic communications that deliver results,” enthused  John Downs, president & CEO of the National Confectioners Association, of the organisation’s latest recruit.

“His expertise and perspective will strengthen our efforts to advocate for the confectionery industry and advance science-based, common-sense public policy. We are excited to welcome Alex to the NCA team at this pivotal time for our industry.”

Davidson joins NCA from the National Turkey Federation, where he served as senior director of public affairs, leading communications strategies that advanced the turkey industry’s advocacy and policy priorities. He previously held public affairs roles at the Beer Institute and on Capitol Hill.