NCA Names Lance Smith EVP of Customer Affairs
Lance Smith, a retail and CPG veteran, will join the National Confectioners Association as executive vice president in January 2027.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in People
The National Confectioners Association has named Lance Smith executive vice president of customer and industry affairs, effective January 2027. Smith will report directly to NCA President and CEO John Downs.
Why it matters
The role is focused on strengthening NCA's relationships with retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers, and other industry stakeholders. Smith's background spans consumer packaged goods, confectionery, and retail distribution.
Smith brings more than 22 years of consumer packaged goods and retail distribution experience, including 15 years at McLane Company and seven years at PIM Brands. The announcement does not specify compensation or the size of the team he will lead.
The players
National Confectioners Association
The National Confectioners Association is a trade group representing the U.S. candy and confectionery industry, advocating on policy and industry matters.
Lance Smith
Lance Smith is an industry executive with more than 22 years in consumer packaged goods, confectionery, and retail distribution.
John Downs
John Downs is the President and CEO of the National Confectioners Association, to whom Smith will report.
The details
Smith most recently served as executive vice president of sales and industry affairs at PIM Brands. He previously spent 15 years with McLane Company and has chaired the NCA State of the Industry Conference, and he has participated in committees through NCA, NACS, and CDA. He is a graduate of Texas A&M University.
Timeline
November 2, 2026: NCA announces the appointment of Lance Smith.
January 2027: Smith starts as NCA executive vice president of customer and industry affairs.
People
Smith's experience across manufacturing, distribution, and retail, including committee work with the National Association of Convenience Stores, reflects the close ties between confectionery makers and the retail channels that sell their products. The appointment places an executive with that multi-level background in charge of the association's customer relationships.
For consumers, the appointment is unlikely to change products or prices directly in the near term. The role's focus on retailer and wholesaler relationships may shape how confectionery is stocked and promoted in stores over time.
The takeaway
Leadership changes at trade associations often signal shifts in how an industry engages with its retail partners. Smith's background suggests a focus on the commercial relationships that drive confectionery sales.
Further reading
Explore more People coverage for other executive moves across the business world.
