The Hershey Co. has hired Andrew Panayiotou as VP-innovation and strategy, a new post.
Panayiotou will oversee Hershey R&D and help set strategies for future growth platforms and international expansion of snacks. He joined Hershey on Nov. 7, reporting to Senior VP-U.S. Snacks Michele Buck.
Panayiotou had been a marketing consultant serving Sears Roebuck, Mizuno Global Sports and Nike. Earlier, he led Innovation and New Products Marketing at Eastman Kodak’s consumer division, and is credited with helping turn around Kodak’s camera business and launching several products.
“Drew brings an outstanding record of developing strategies and programs that drive growth and build consumer brands,” Buck said in a statement. “Drew’s extensive experience with a wide variety of retail channels and his background in connecting with consumers will be extremely valuable as we continue to develop snacks that generate excitement among consumers and drive profitable growth.”
