Just Born Quality Confections, Bethlehem, has announced the appointment of Matt Butkus as Head of Sales, effective Dec. 1.

Just Born is the family-owned candy manufacturer of Peeps, Mike And Ike, Hot Tamales and Goldenberg’s Peanut Chews.

Butkus has more than two decades of leadership experience in the consumer packaged goods industry in mass, grocery, drug and specialty categories.

“Matt’s strategic approach and collaborative leadership style make him an outstanding addition to our team,” said Meenakshi Trehan, Chief Growth Officer at Just Born.

“His passion for empowering teams and fostering innovation will help guide us as we strengthen our presence across channels and pursue new growth opportunities. We’re thrilled to welcome him to the Just Born family,” Trehan said.

Most recently, Butkus led the sales team at hello brand (Colgate-Palmolive), where he delivered growth five times faster than the category average while deepening relationships with top retail partners.

Prior to that, he held senior roles at Colgate-Palmolive, including Director of Business Development for Oral Care, and Senior Sales Team Lead for Kroger, where he consistently delivered market share gains and exceeded top- and bottom-line goals through strategic execution and collaboration.

Frank Amato, who has served in sales leadership roles for more than two decades, will retire Jan. 5, 2026, after a 21-year career with Just Born. Amato will work closely with Butkus to ensure a smooth transition.

“Frank’s leadership and commitment have made a lasting impact on our business and culture,” Trehan said, adding,. “We are deeply grateful for his contributions and wish him the very best in his retirement.”

Butkus enjoys soccer, golf and following college sports. He is a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity and Feed My Starving Children.

Just Born is a third-generation family-owned candy manufacturer. In 1923, company founder, Sam Born, opened a small candy shop in Brooklyn, N.Y., where he marketed the freshness of his daily-made candy with a sign that declared, “Just Born.”

With Born’s brothers-in-law, Irv and Jack Shaffer, the company thrived and, in 1932, moved its operations to Bethlehem, where it has grown to become one of the largest candy companies in the United States.

Information: www.justborn.com