Just Born president and CEO to retire

As the company beings its celebration of its 100th anniversary, the president and CEO of Just Born Quality Confections in Bethlehem has announced plans to retire. 

David Yale, who began working for Just Born in 2011, said he will be retiring March 31. 

“David Yale’s retirement, in our 100th year, comes at a time when we are on sound financial footing, our iconic brands are healthy, and leadership is in the capable hands of the next generation of the Shaffer/Jett Family, in tandem with our talented Executive Team and Board of Directors,” said David Shaffer, chairman of the Just Born board of directors and the company’s Co-CEO. 

Yale’s accomplishments include helping to transform PEEPS into an American cultural icon at Easter; driving MIKE AND IKE growth through the introduction of the Mega Mix platform, and revitalizing Goldberg’s Peanut Chews by going back to the candy’s Philadelphia roots.  

Yale was credited with modeling the Just Born RESPECT Philosophy and strived to make Just Born an employer of choice and helped the company navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and come out stronger on the other side.   

He also served on the boards of the National Confectioner’s Association and Valley Youth House.