Just Born, Inc. announced today that Ross Born plans to retire as CEO of the storied Bethlehem, Pennsylvania based company, which his grandfather Sam Born, founded in 1923. He has led the company for over four decades along with his cousin and co-owner, David Shaffer. Ross was inducted into the National Confectionery Sales Association’s Candy Hall of Fame and served as Chairman of the National Confectioner’s Association.
Born, 68, will work with the Board of Directors, which has established a search committee, to recruit a new CEO. Plans are for him to continue as CEO until the new CEO is on board. David Yale will remain in his role as Just Born President & COO, and David Shaffer will continue to serve as Chairman of the Board.
Family ownership of the company, which manufactures iconic candy brands MIKE AND IKE®, HOT TAMALES®, PEEPS® and GOLDENBERG’S® PEANUT CHEWS® will continue.
“This is my 44th year in the family business,” Born said. “Thanks to our Just Born associates, our brokers, customers, suppliers and community partners, it has been the experience of a lifetime. I have enjoyed the close relationship I have had with David Shaffer, my cousin and business partner for my entire professional career. Now it’s time for me to pass the baton to a new CEO, who along with our top-notch Executive Team, will take the business to new heights. I’m really looking forward to spending more time with my wife and family – especially our four grandchildren! And, I will continue to focus efforts on ways to make our community a better place for everyone.”
Shaffer said: “There are not enough words to describe the innumerable contributions that Ross has made to our company, the confections industry, our stakeholders and our community. While his leadership and passion will be missed, he is leaving Just Born in a strong competitive position as we are coming off a record setting year—achieved despite the challenges of the ongoing pandemic.”
Just Born is currently ranked as the tenth largest confectionery company in the United States.
About Just Born Quality Confections:
Just Born Quality Confections is a third-generation family-owned candy manufacturer with its purpose to bring sweetness to people’s lives. Just Born is the maker of some of America’s most beloved and iconic brands – PEEPS®, MIKE AND IKE®, HOT TAMALES® and GOLDENBERG’S® PEANUT CHEWS®. In 1923, the founder, Sam Born, opened a small candy shop in Brooklyn, New York, where he marketed the freshness of his daily-made candy with a sign that declared, “Just Born.” Together with Born’s brothers-in-law, Irv and Jack Shaffer, the company thrived and, in 1932, moved its operations to Bethlehem, PA where it has grown to become one of the largest candy companies in the US by giving back to the community, being good environmental stewards and creating a culture where people want to work. For more information, please visit www.justborn.com (and see the breadth of candy and high-quality branded items at www.peepsandcompany.com) Follow us: facebook.com/JustBornInc, twitter.com/JustBornInc.
