The Hershey Company has appointed Kirk Tanner to succeed Michele Buck as president and CEO, effective Aug. 18.
Buck, who announced her intention to retire from the company at the beginning of this year, will work with Tanner in a senior advisory capacity to ensure a smooth transition.
“I am thrilled to see Kirk step into the role and look forward to working closely to help him onboard as he makes the transition to Hershey,” Buck said.
“Leading this business and having the privilege to work with such an exceptional team to transform Hershey into a multi-category snacking leader – building one of the industry’s most robust portfolios and the capabilities to drive current and future growth – has been the greatest honor of my career.”
Tanner currently serves as president and CEO of The Wendy’s Co., where he has led a strategy focused on core brand growth, innovation, operational excellence and accelerating new unit growth globally.
Prior to that, he spent more than three decades at PepsiCo Inc., ultimately serving as CEO of PepsiCo Beverages North America, overseeing a $28 billion business across a diverse portfolio of iconic and growth brands such as Pepsi, Gatorade, Mountain Dew, Pure Leaf and bubly.
As CEO, he drove growth and profitability through brand building, innovation, customer partnerships and execution in the marketplace. He led portfolio transformation to address evolving consumer trends.
Tanner also held several other senior leadership positions at PepsiCo, including president of PepsiCo global foodservice, SVP of Frito-Lay North America’s west division and VP of sales for PepsiCo U.K. and Ireland.
“Throughout my career, I’ve remained focused on the three pillars that drive success: understanding and delighting consumers, building strong partnerships with customers and investing in colleagues. This commitment to the three Cs will continue to guide our strategic decisions and fuel the growth of Hershey’s iconic brands – all while having fun with our employees and customers,” Tanner said.
“Leading Hershey is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make a difference with loved brands, and I look forward to working closely with the board of directors and the entire team to advance our leading snacking powerhouse ambition.”
Mary Kay Haben, lead independent director and chair of the CEO search committee, said Tanner is “a proven, high-impact leader in the food and beverage industry with a great combination of customer and consumer passion, commercial acumen and operational scale.”
She also expressed the board’s thanks to Buck for her leadership. “The impact of her courageous leadership, evolution of portfolio and capabilities and authentic connection to people leave a legacy and a roadmap that positions Hershey well for the future.”
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