AWDA_Yearbook_Booklet_2021

TUESDAY BUSINESS SESSION

Brent Cotten is the Vice President, Global Customer & Industry Affairs, at The Hershey Company. In this role, he represents his company at US trade associations, trade events, and customer events to help establish and build strong working relationships with both North America and Global Industry Leaders. Cotten began his career with Hershey Foods in February 1992, as a Sales Representative in the Nashville District. He held several leadership positions within The Hershey Company and accepted the role of Director, National Accounts Convenience in June 2006 where he was responsible for the Sales of US Strategic C Store Customers. He attended Middle Tennessee State University where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in Marketing. He currently serves on several trade associations to include NACS Supplier Board of Directors & serving as Chair-Elect, Convenience Distributors Association Board of Directors, FMI Foundation Board of Trustees, amongst many others. In 2019, Brent was inducted into the National Confectionery Sales Association Hall of Fame. This award is the candy industry’s highest accolade. Also, he is now on the NCSA Board of Directors. Currently, Brent and his wife and their two daugh- ters currently reside in Hendersonville, Tennessee. Brent Cotten Vice President, Global Customer & Industry Affairs The Hershey Company