Hershey CEO Appointed to Presidential Council on Africa

Hershey Co. President/CEO J.P. Bilbrey was appointed by the Secretary of Commerce to the newly established President’s Advisory Council on Doing Business in Africa (PAC-DBIA). The private-sector advisory council will focus on strengthening the U.S.’ commercial relationships with African nations.

"The Hershey Company has a long history in West Africa through sourcing our most important commodity, cocoa, and more recently through our important work to help improve the livelihoods of cocoa families and communities in the region,” said Bilbrey. “Africa is home to some of the fastest growing economies and represents an exciting opportunity for our government and U.S. businesses. It is a great honor to be selected and to serve on this advisory council to our President."

Bilbrey joins 14 other private sector leaders on the council, which will provide expert guidance to the President on strengthening partnerships with African countries to leverage opportunities for U.S. companies committed to supporting the continent for the long term.

PAC-DBIA will provide information, analysis, and recommendations on U.S.-Africa trade and investment priorities, including U.S. and Africa job creation; developing and strengthening commercial partnerships to increase U.S. public and private sector financing in Africa; and analyzing the effect of policies in the U.S. and Africa on U.S. trade and investment interests in Africa.