Jelly Belly President & COO Robert Simpson Announces Retirement

FAIRFIELD, CALIF., Mar. 6, 2015— It’s been a sweet career for Robert M. Simpson, Jr., and after fifteen years as Jelly Belly Candy Company President and Chief Operating Officer, he will retire on March 31.

Bob Simpson, Jelly Belly President & COO retires March 2015

Appointed in 2000, Simpson was responsible for Jelly Belly’s executive and operational functions in all national and international markets, and oversaw retail operations at company-owned stores and the Jelly Belly Visitor Centers. He led the company’s expansion into international markets, including new business operations to build and leverage Jelly Belly’s brand awareness, positioning Jelly Belly as a global confectionery leader. Under his leadership a successful global licensing program was launched along with co-branded partnerships.

Simpson moved to Jelly Belly Candy Company after a 30-year career at Raley’s, Inc., a 149-store supermarket chain. As Senior Director of Marketing and Merchandising, he designed the corporation’s marketing and merchandising strategies, developed new store formats, and directed competitive and consumer research initiatives.

Simpson recently completed a two-year term as Chairman on the Board of Trustees of the National Confectioners Association (NCA). During his four years on the NCA Board, he worked with industry leaders to promote the entire confectionery industry. He also led the association’s new strategic planning process and served as Candy Political Action Committee chairman.

“It has been a phenomenal 15 years and I am so appreciative of having worked on an iconic brand that positively impacts the lives of our employees, business partners and consumers,” said Simpson. “What we accomplish is admired throughout the industry. I know there are even more great things ahead.”

Jelly Belly Candy Company was founded in 1898 and began making Jelly Belly® jelly beans in 1976. Today, Jelly Belly products are sold all over the world and the company remains family owned and operated by the fourth, fifth and sixth generations of the candy making family. For more information about Jelly Belly and its confections, visit www.jellybelly.com, or call 800-522-3267. Connect with the company online on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube and LinkedIn.

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