Eric Lent (Hershey)

visionary marketing executive in Alpharetta, Georgia

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As Chief Marketing Officer of Herschend Family Entertainment, Eric Lent draws on more than two decades of experience in marketing and management. Throughout his years in marketing, he earned extensive recognition for his skills, including the Addy for Advertising Effectiveness from the American Advertising Federation, Golden Marble for the Best Youth Marketing Campaign in the United States, and the Gold Effie from the American Marketing Association. Eric Lent formerly served as Vice President of Global Marketing Excellence and Strategy at the Hershey Company.

Eric Lent graduated cum laude from Towson University in Maryland with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and concentrations in Marketing and Management. During his time there, he served as President for the Kappa Sigma Fraternity and Senator for Towson University's Student Government Association. Later, Mr. Lent continued his education at Marquette University's Graduate Business School in Wisconsin.

After launching his career in marketing, Eric Lent held positions with various consumer products companies, including Grey, Saatchi & Saatchi, and S.C. Johnson. In 1999, he became Marketing Director for Eastman Kodak Company and spent several years with the firm, promoting digital imaging and picture-maker kiosks, as well as increasing brand recognition.

Mr. Lent joined the management team at Hershey in 2004 as Director of its Hershey, York, Peter Paul, and Portfolio Chocolates. He served the firm in several executive positions, contributing to marketing and financial growth through his business strategies and new product concepts.

In his spare time, Eric Lent leads an active lifestyle. His accomplishments include running the New York Marathon and climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. He also serves as a spokesperson for Compassion International and was formerly Chairman of the Advisory Board for Towson University's College of Business and Economics. He has also volunteered as a firefighter, youth wrestling coach, and Scout leader.