Matthew Pye

Class of 2024

Matt Pye’s life is a testament to perseverance, and passion. Raised in a lively household shared with his seven siblings, Matt learned the values of hard work, education, and resilience.

Born on June 12, 1967, in Newark, NJ, to Robert and Elizabeth, he says his parents instilled in their children a pursuit of knowledge and ambition, laying the foundation for his journey in the candy industry.

He attended St. Benedict’s Prep School in Newark, graduating in 1985. His aspirations in business led him to Boston College, where he studied marketing from 1985 to 1989. He was an active student leader, serving as an RA in his junior year and being elected Student Government President in his senior year.

After college, Matt began his career selling soap at Unilever from 1989 to 1991 before pursuing an MBA at Rutgers University. In the fall of 1994 Matt began his career in confections, accepting a marketing position at American Chicle Co. where de quickly moved up to Assistant Brand Manager on Trident chewing gum.

As his career was taking off, Matt married Sarai Esteves. Their paths crossed through family connections and mutual friends. Together, they have two daughters, Bryanna and Alyssa.

Through his work with Trident, Matt became a gum expert, which eventually led him to join Fleer Confections, working on the Dubble Bubble and Razzles brands.

Broker relationships at Fleer helped him land a job at Just Born, Inc. where he spent 25 years. During his tenure he held roles of escalating responsibility in both sales and marketing, culminating in the position of Senior Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Corporate Affairs.

While at the company he led it into the sour sector, working on the launch of Mike And Ike Zours in 1999. Matt was recognized in 2005 with the Just Born Visionary Award for his development of the company’s licensing program.

Matt left Just Born in 2023 and landed a job with PIM Brands, Inc. in April 2024 as Senior Vice President of Marketing – Confections.

Throughout his career, he has been involved in industry associations. He has served the NCA on its State of the Industry Conference and Sweets & Snacks Expo committees, as well as The Confectionery Foundation board.

He has mentored up-and-coming industry leaders as part of the NCA Future Leadership Program, and has shared his knowledge at industry events, and educational programs.

Matt has also served on the NCSA board and for many years has been the voice of the Candy Hall of Fame, introducing inductees and helping tell their stories.

Known for his leadership, communication skills, and humor, Matt attributes his success to working with “great brands and talented people.”

Getting To Know Matt

My job would be simpler if . . . things went according to plan (because they never do).

People would be surprised to learn . . . I worked at a Boy Scout Camp in the Adirondacks for 10 summers during high school, college, and graduate school.