Brasher Named President And CEO Of Jelly Belly

FAIRFIELD, CA -- Lisa Rowland Brasher has been named president and chief executive of Jelly Belly Candy Co. She succeeds Robert M. Simpson Jr., who held the top spots of president and chief operating officer for 15 years.

Brasher is the fifth generation to enter the family owned and operated candy business. In her new position she will report to company chairman of the board Herman G. Rowland, Sr., her father.

Brasher has been vice chair of the board since 2009 and was vice-president of administration from 2006 through 2009 at the company headquarters in Fairfield, CA. In her new position, she will oversee the three manufacturing plants and the company's operations in China, Germany and Thailand. She will also act as a company spokesperson on television, radio and print media.

Brasher joined the firm in 1982 as a customer service representative and billing clerk. In the 1980s, she managed accounts payable and worked in finance alongside her grandmother, Aloyse Goelitz Rowland. She also held positions in human resources and sales merchandising before joining the executive team as corporate director in the 1990s.

Jelly Belly was founded in 1898 and began making its namesake jelly beans in 1976.