Leslie Coopersmith-Greenberg

Class of 2001

Leslie was born April 16, 1949, in New York City and grew up on Long Island. She graduated from Oceanside High School in 1967 and from the State University of New York in 1971, where she earned bachelor’s degrees in English and psychology with honors. She also attended Harvard University, where she studied management techniques. In 1993, Leslie married Michael Greenberg at Shelter Rock Jewish Center in Roslyn, NY.

Leslie began her professional career as marketing manager at Ward Foods in 1978. Six years later, she joined Nabisco Brands as senior marketing manager and in 1987 became the first female to serve as vice-president of sales of the company. A year later, Leslie moved on to Droste USA Inc. and in 1991, she accepted the role of president and CEO at Guylian USA Inc. the position she held at the time of her induction.

Leslie says information technology, consolidations and mergers have been the three biggest factors to have impacted the candy business over the years, but she credits the unconditional support, love and devotion of her parents and her husband, Michael, as the biggest influences on her career.

With more than 23 years experience in the candy business, Leslie says in order to be successful, one has to believe in yourself and your ideas, trust your judgements, and above all, be honest, fair and consistent.

In her spare time, Leslie enjoys tennis, golf, reading, dancing and being with family and friends.