John H. "Jack" Dowd Jr. (1922–2004) was a Hershey Chocolate Company brand manager who negotiated the marketing agreement that placed Reese's Pieces in Steven Spielberg's E.T.
He later worked as an advertising executive, During World War II, Dowd served in an army infantry unit that conducted patrols behind enemy lines.
He introduced brand management and marketing[dubious – discuss] and later participated in the company's first consumer advertising program, while directing the development and introduction of dozens of new products.
[citation needed] Dowd was responsible in the 1970s for the promotional ad blitz that made Reese's Peanut Butter Cups a major success.
His civic activities included service on the board of the Harrisburg area Red Cross and then as interim executive director.