Promotion in Motion (PIM), manufacturers and marketers of candy and fruit snack brands for more than 30 years, has added four key senior executives to its leadership team in its manufacturing, sales and trade relations departments.
● Charlean Gmunder has been named as the new vp of manufacturing.
She brings with her extensive manufacturing experience in the food industry, with a concentration on the confectionery sector.
In her new role, Gmunder will oversee all manufacturing operations, focusing on the Somerset manufacturing facility and the forthcoming allergen facility expansion. She will be based at the PIM Brands Somerset plant.
For the past three years, Gmunder has served as vp of operations for Premio Foods. Prior to that, she served as vp of global logistics for National Starch. Gmunder’s career includes 21 years working for the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company, culminating in her position as president of the L.A. Dreyfus Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary, responsible for global gum base operations.
She is HACCP-certified, a certified SQF Expert, a Six Sigma Green Belt, and has been a member of the Board of Examiners for the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. She also is a strong believer in strategic planning, people development and continuous improvement.
Gmunder holds a B.S. in Chemical Engineering as well as an MBA from Rutgers University and resides in Branchburg, N.J.
● Keith Von Zup has joined the company as vp of slaes for national accounts.
In his new role, Von Zup will spearhead PIM growth efforts with select major U.S. national accounts, including Kroger, Meijer, Trader Joe’s and Aldi. He will also manage the company’s fast-growing grocery business in the mid-nation states.
Von Zup has more than 25 years of experience in sales roles with major confectionery companies. Previously, Von Zup had been in sales with Just Born, and prior to that he had 20 years of experience with M&M/Mars.
He is a graduate of California State University and resides in Tannersville, Pa.
● Paul Klutes has joined PIM as vp of sales for national accounts.
Klutes will be responsible for targeting growth efforts with major national accounts in the U.S. In addition, he’ll lead sales efforts on the entire PIM portfolio in Canada.
Klutes’ vast sales and marketing experience includes over 25 years with both large- and small-sized companies, including Coca-Cola, Veryfine, Welch’s and most recently at CH Robinson, a large logistics/produce supply company. His latest experience included responsibility for branded produce items at CHR, including Welch’s Fresh Grapes and Mott’s Apples and Apple Slices.
He is a graduate of Vanderbilt University and resides in Fairhope, Ala.
● David Fleischer has joined PIM as vp of trade relations.
In his new role for PIM, Fleischer will have primary responsibility for managing relationships with key industry and trade groups, including the National Candy Association (NCA), the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS), the Vending trade group (NAMA), Wholesalers trade group (AWMA), as well as other influential groups.
In addition, Fleischer will be the primary player in trade show exhibitions throughout the year. His responsibilities will include devising and refining trade strategy and programs, as well as customer-specific strategies to increase sales and importance with key customers in all trade channels.
Fleischer has more than 30 years of sales experience in the candy and confectionery industry. His extensive background includes positions with Adams, Cadbury and most recently Kraft Foods.
He is a graduate of Penn State University and resides in Sparta, N.J.
