Former PepsiCo Executive Kirk Tanner Appointed as Hershey CEO, Bringing Growth Expertise

Hershey has appointed Kirk Tanner, former Wendy’s CEO and PepsiCo executive, as its new president and CEO, succeeding Michele Buck. Buck will retire in June 2026 but will assist Tanner in his transition. Tanner’s extensive experience in snacks and beverages makes him well-suited to lead Hershey’s future growth.

Tanner’s previous roles at PepsiCo included CEO of North America beverages, where he drove growth through brand building and innovation. He aims to advance Hershey’s snacking powerhouse ambition with a results-driven mindset. Tanner looks forward to working with the board and team to make a difference with Hershey’s beloved brands.

Hershey has faced challenges with declining sales and volumes, impacted by factors like high cocoa prices and consumer costs. Despite this, the company reported a drop in net sales and profits in the first quarter of fiscal 2025. Operating profit decreased, with net income and adjusted EPS also falling.

For the current fiscal year, Hershey anticipates at least 2% net sales growth but expects adjusted EPS to decline in the “mid” 30% range. Buck expressed excitement about Tanner’s appointment and highlighted the company’s transformation into a multi-category snacking leader under her leadership. Hershey is positioned for future growth with its robust portfolio and capabilities.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: Hershey appoints former PepsiCo executive Kirk Tanner as CEO