Seasoned CPG leader brings more than 20 years of experience driving growth and building retail partnerships
Bethlehem, PA. – December 3, 2025 – Just Born Quality Confections, the family-owned candy manufacturer behind iconic brands including PEEPS®, MIKE AND IKE®, HOT TAMALES® and GOLDENBERG’S PEANUT CHEWS® is pleased to announce the appointment of Matt Butkus as Head of Sales, effective December 1, 2025.
Butkus brings more than two decades of leadership experience in the Consumer Packaged Goods industry, with a proven record of driving sales growth, building high-performing teams and strengthening retailer partnerships across mass, grocery, drug, and specialty channels.
“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.”
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 both 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 on January 5, 2026, after a remarkable 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,” added Trehan. “We are deeply grateful for his contributions and wish him the very best in his retirement.”
As Matt steps into this role, he brings not only deep industry expertise but also a strong sense of purpose and community. Outside of work, he enjoys soccer, golf and following college sports. He is an active volunteer with Habitat for Humanity and Feed My Starving Children, reflecting his commitment to giving back.
About Just Born Quality Confections:
Just Born is a third-generation family-owned candy manufacturer whose purpose is to create joyful moments and stronger communities. We do this by following our highest ideals to: Take care of each other, do the right thing, and give forward. 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®. Just Born has been a part of family traditions and memories for more than 100 years. 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. Follow @JustBornInc on Instagram, Facebook and X.
