Rebecca Dunphey Named President, Business Unit Americas for Perfetti Van Melle

ERLANGER, KY – April 8, 2026 – Perfetti Van Melle Americas business unit announces it has named Rebecca Dunphey as its new President for the company’s Americas Business Unit, effective Monday, April 6. Dunphey is reporting to Sameer Suneja, Perfetti Van Melle Group CEO & Executive Director. She succeeds Sylvia Buxton, who led the rapid growth of the North America business for more than seven years. Under Buxton’s leadership, the company became the third-largest confectionery manufacturer in the U.S. and expanded into the 2,300-employee Americas Business Unit, encompassing the USA, Canada, Mexico, and Latin America commercial and supply chain operations.

“I’m very happy to welcome Rebecca to the Perfetti Van Melle family,” said Suneja. “As our Americas business continues to expand, Rebecca’s global P&L oversight and leadership experience will help us to continue to accelerate to meet consumer and customer demand for our unique and loved candy, gum and mint products.”

Dunphey has more than 20 years of experience in consumer packaged goods with roles at Unilever, Kimberly-Clark, Clorox and most recently as Business Unit President at Kraft-Heinz. She has had a variety of marketing and general management experiences across several categories in both the U.S. and Latin America. Dunphey has a passion for putting the consumer at the center and driving growth with great brands.

“I’m thrilled and ready to join a company that is known for its iconic brands, innovative DNA and a culture that cares for its people,” said Dunphey. “I look forward to building on all that’s been achieved in recent years in the Americas region.”

About Perfetti Van Melle

Perfetti Van Melle (PVM) is a privately owned company that manufactures and distributes confectionery and chewing gum in more than 150 countries. PVM is a global leader in the confectionery industry, thanks to delighting consumers around the world with its innovative, diverse, and most loved products. The company boasts a diverse portfolio of iconic local and internationally recognized brands cherished by generations, such as Mentos, Chupa Chups, Alpenliebe, Airheads, Center, Fruit-tella, Big Babol, Vivident, Golia, Vigorsol, Smint and Frisk. In addition, Trident, Hollywood, Dentyne, Stimorol, V6 and Bubblicious in the United States, Canada, and Europe. In 2025, Perfetti Van Melle Group reported net sales above €4 billion. U.S. operations are based in Erlanger, KY, with factories in Erlanger and Rockford, IL.