Wednesday July 14, 2010

Guylian's Coopersmith Retires

Englewood Cliffs, NJ — Guylian USA, Inc. CEO Leslie Coopersmith has retired after more than 30 years in the confectionery industry, effective July 13.

Having joined Guylian in 1988, she is credited with broadening its import business and establishing Guylian USA, Inc. in 1994. She also is said to have expanded distribution into all U.S. classes of trade during her tenure.

Coopersmith was named CEO in 2005, and has served on the boards of the National Confectioners Association and the National Confectionery Sales Association throughout her career.

She was honored with induction into the Candy Hall of Fame in 2001.

Company President Michael Cobb, who joined Guylian in March, “has an outstanding record in brand-building, identifying new growth opportunities, and unlocking profit and share growth potential,” says Coopersmith. “So I know I'm leaving the company in excellent hands.”