Asher’s Chocolate Co. has promoted three sales leaders as part of a restructuring of its sales department.
Barton McBride has been named v.p. of business development, and Lauren Kellock has been promoted to v.p. of sales. Robert English will serve as director of sales.
“Asher’s is growing, and we feel these three individuals to be major contributors to that growth,” said President and CEO Jeff Asher. “We are thrilled to announce these well-deserved promotions. We feel they not only support and broaden our sales department and leadership team, but also strengthen our company as a whole. These promotions reflect years of commitment and dedication to Asher’s, and these three professionals represent a combined total of 63 years of service to the company. This, in and of itself, is a distinguishing characteristic of our team that makes us extremely proud.”
Barton McBride, v.p. of business development
Marking 20 years with Asher’s Chocolate Co., McBride attended Villanova University and began his career with the company as sales manager for the Western U.S. He was appointed to the position of v.p. of sales, national accounts in 2010, responsible for building and maintaining business with volume sales accounts and overseeing Asher’s national network of sales brokers. In this new position, McBride will serve as a primary representative of the company, with responsibility for development of the company’s sales channels and brand presence in coordination with the v.p. of sales.
Lauren Kellock, v.p. of sales
Kellock is the first woman in the company’s history to hold this position. Kellock began working for Asher’s in 1991 as a part-time customer service representative. In 2005, Kellock was appointed to director of sales, responsible for overseeing local representatives and large account management. Kellock brings with her 27 years of sales experience. She holds sociology and economics degrees from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Kellock succeeds retiree Ed Lomas and will be responsible for managing the company’s day-to-day sales operations, as well as overseeing the customer service, marketing and product development departments.
Robert English, director of sales
English succeeds Kellock as director of sales. He will be responsible for overseeing the company’s local sales team, as well as spearheading all brokerage ventures through Robert Asher Associates. Overall, he brings 16 years of experience with Asher’s. English attended Washington & Lee University in Lexington, Virgina, and worked for Asher’s Chocolate Co. as a driver. After years in real estate, he returned to the company in 2006 as a regional sales representative. English was instrumental in contributing to and growing Asher’s brokerage relationships. He also maintained and expanded his territory, including greater Philadelphia, the mid-Pennsylvania region and five additional states. English also included an additional six states with telecommuting accounts.
