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Food News

MIKE AND IKE® Taps Basketball Star Josh Hart as First-Ever Chief Candy Officer

By V. Sheree Williams
/
October 17, 2025
       
Pictured: MIKE AND IKE Chief Candy Officer Josh Hart | Photo credit: Just Born Quality Confections
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MIKE AND IKE®, the iconic fruity, chewy candy that fans have loved for generations, is making its biggest play yet, signing New York basketball star Josh Hart as the brand’s very first Chief Candy Officer (CCO).

As a longtime MIKE AND IKE® superfan, Hart is stepping into his ultimate dream job: turning his candy obsession into a front-office role. As Chief Candy Officer, he’ll be calling the shots on playful brand moments, mixing up flavor innovation and giving fans an all-access pass to what life looks like when your favorite candy becomes your 9-to-5.

“Anyone who knows me knows MIKE AND IKE® isn’t just a candy to me—it’s the candy,” says Hart. “I’ve been eating these candies since I was a kid, and I still keep boxes stashed everywhere—at home, in my locker, on the plane. It’s been my number one candy forever, so stepping into this role as Chief Candy Officer feels like the ultimate full-circle moment. This isn’t just a title, it’s me representing the candy I’ve loved my whole life.”

RELATED: Bozoma Saint John Collaborates with Violife to Redefine What It Means to Eat Without Sacrifice

Chief Candy Officer Josh Hart Reports to His Role

Hart will star in a social series of playful behind-the-scenes moments that spotlight his role as CCO in action. Whether he’s testing flavors in the MIKE AND IKE® research and development lab, drafting his favorite varieties in the Just Born boardroom, inspecting and packing candy on the line with the focus of a pro athlete or fielding questions at a press conference, Hart is diving headfirst into the role of Chief Candy Officer.

Josh Hart for Mike and Ike, chief candy officer
Photo credit: MIKE AND IKE Chief Candy Officer Josh Hart | Photo credit: Just Born Confections

“As Chief Candy Officer, Josh isn’t just lending his name—he’s rolling up his sleeves and getting in on the fun,” says Deb Turoczy, senior manager of consumer engagement at Just Born, Inc. “From mixing up flavors in our taste test lab, to running candy drafts in the boardroom, Josh is bringing the same fire and energy to MIKE AND IKE® that fans love seeing from him on the court. We couldn’t imagine a better teammate.”

MIKE AND IKE® has been delivering bold, fruity, chewy candy for more than 80 years, earning a place in candy culture with its vibrant, mixable flavors. For more information about MIKE AND IKE®, follow Josh’s journey as Chief Candy Officer on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook.

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