Former Wendy's CEO Kirk Tanner Takes Over as Hershey CEO, Bringing 30 Years of Industry Experience

Kirk Tanner, former CEO of North American beverages at PepsiCo, has been appointed as the new CEO of The Hershey Company, starting on August 18. Tanner brings over 30 years of experience in the food and beverage industry to his new role, replacing retiring CEO Michele Buck after almost 20 years at Hershey.

Buck will continue as an advisor at Hershey until the end of the year. Wendy’s, where Tanner previously served, has named CFO Ken Cook as interim CEO. Cook, who has been CFO since 2024, will take over on July 18 while Wendy’s board searches for a permanent replacement.

Read more at CNBC: Wendy’s CEO Kirk Tanner tapped to lead Hershey