Perfetti Van Melle Vietnam appoints Jan-Willem Paans as managing director

Perfetti Van Melle, a major manufacturer and distributor of confectionery and chewing gum, has appointed Jan-Willem Paans as managing director of Perfetti Van Melle Vietnam, the firm announced on Wednesday.

Jan-Willem Paans, who has assumed the role since August 15, 2024, will report directly to Ian Burton, president of Asia Pacific Business Unit, and succeeds Nikhil Sharma, who became managing director of Perfetti Van Melle India.

Jan-Willem joins Perfetti Van Melle Vietnam with a wealth of global experience and a proven track record of success, the firm stated in a release.

Most recently, he served as managing director of (Heineken) Surinaamse Brouwerij NV in Suriname, where he oversaw the entire business; improving operational excellence through strategic focus and creating a winning one team culture leading to significant growth, it said.

Ian Burton, president of the Asia Pacific Business Unit, commented: "We are thrilled to welcome Jan-Willem to Perfetti Van Melle Vietnam. His extensive international experience and proven leadership in driving growth and operational excellence make him the ideal choice to lead our Vietnam team.

"I am confident that under his guidance, Perfetti Van Melle Vietnam will continue to strengthen its market presence and achieve new levels of success. We look forward to the innovative approaches and fresh perspectives he will bring to our business in this dynamic market."

Burton added that with over 18 years of international experience across Europe, Asia, Africa and South America, Jan-Willem brings a deep understanding of diverse markets and a strong commitment to driving sustainable growth.

"His expertise in both global strategy and local market execution positions him well to lead Perfetti Van Melle Vietnam into its next phase of development".

Reflecting on his new role, Jan-Willem said: "Vietnam remains a highly prioritized and rapidly growing market for Perfetti Van Melle, and I am confident in the strength and creativity of our team. I look forward to working closely with our people, partners, customers, and communities to create shared value and continue our journey of growth and success."

Jan-Willem’s leadership will be instrumental as Perfetti Van Melle Vietnam continues to expand its market presence and innovate in response to evolving consumer demands.

Perfetti Van Melle (PVM) is a privately owned company that manufactures and distributes confectionery and chewing gum in more than 150 countries. It 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 Happydent, Mentos, Chupa Chups, Alpenliebe, Airheads, Center, Fruit-tella, Big Babol, Vivident, Golia, Vigorsol, Smint and Frisk.

It also possesses brands like Trident, Hollywood, Dentyne, Stimorol, V6 and Bubblicious in the U.S., Canada, and Europe.

In 2023, Perfetti Van Melle Group reported net sales close to $4.64 billion. The company entered Vietnam in 1997.