Raymond “Buz” Heinz

Class of 2009

Raymond “Buz” Heinz considers success to be a journey, not a destination. He says his journey has involved working hard, taking risks, meeting new people and keeping in touch with them, as well as being open to and exploring new ideas and concepts. Buz was born to Laurette and Edward in Baltimore, on September 20, 1945. He attended Loyola Academy in Wilmette, IL, then the University of Illinois Champagne-Urbana where he received a B.S. in chemistry. After serving in the U.S. Navy, he went to work with his father, the owner of Bell Flavors & Fragrances. His career at Bell began in 1972, working in research and development, marketing and sales until he was named executive vice-president. In 1993 the company acquired The Schimmel Co., and Buz moved to East Germany to head the renamed Bell Europe, where he is now president. His son Michael serves as vice-president of Bell Europe, and his brother James is president of the company’s U.S. operations. Buz has been a member of the NCA Supplier Advisory Board, the American Association of Candy Technologists program committee, the Institute of Food Technologists Annual Exhibition and Expo committees and the Kettle Award Committee. Looking back at his move to East Germany, he says change is the only thing that truly offers new opportunities, and can be challenging and exciting as long as the change is in the right direction. Even though the risks were great, he notes, the opportunities were greater. The most significant influence on his career, he says, was his father, who loved the flavor industry and especially loved working with the people in the candy business. Buz notes even though the industries have changed tremendously, with product improvements and computer-controlled processes and planning, one thing that is still the same is the strong personal relationships in the confectionery industry. Away from the office, Buz enjoys golf, swimming and downhill skiing. He has a daughter, Anne, and son Michael.