USA | The Hershey Company has announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Kirk Tanner to succeed Michele Buck as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective the 18th of August 2025.
Buck, who announced her intention to retire from the company at the beginning of this year, will work closely with Tanner in a senior advisory capacity to ensure his successful 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," said Buck.
"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 honour of my career."
Tanner is an accomplished food and beverage executive with a strong track record across some of the industry's most recognised brands. He spent over three decades at PepsiCo, Inc., where he ultimately served as Chief Executive Officer of PepsiCo Beverages North America, overseeing a USD 28 billion business across a diverse portfolio of iconic and growth brands, including 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 continuously evolving consumer trends.
"I am truly honoured to be chosen as the next leader of a company I've long admired. 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,” said Tanner.
“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. 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."
Tanner also held several other senior leadership positions at PepsiCo, including President of PepsiCo Global Foodservice, Senior Vice President of Frito-Lay North America's West Division and Vice President of Sales for PepsiCo U.K. and Ireland.
He currently serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of The Wendy's Company, where he has led a strategy focused on core brand growth, innovation, operational excellence and accelerating new unit growth globally.
