Kirk Tanner Appointed New CEO of Hershey

Company - People | Jul 09, 2025 | EIN

Kirk Tanner Appointed New CEO of Hershey

Kirk Tanner has been named the new CEO of The Hershey Company, effective August 18, 2024, succeeding Michele Buck. Tanner brings substantial experience from his time at PepsiCo where he headed the North American beverages unit. His appointment marks a strategic shift for Hershey as the company aims to adapt to the changing snack and confectionery landscape. Mary Kay Haben, director of Hershey's search committee, praised Tanner's blend of customer focus, commercial insight, and operational ability. Wendys, where Tanner has been in a short-term role, will appoint Ken Cook, current CFO, as interim CEO. The leadership change comes at a time when both companies are focusing on consumer trends towards healthier, innovative products. Analysts predict Tanner's focus at Hershey will be on modernizing operations and strategy realignment to capture greater market share. Buck will remain as an advisor through the year-end, ensuring a smooth transition.

Sectors

  • Food and Beverage
  • Consumer Packaged Goods

Geography

  • United States – The article pertains to major U.S.-based companies, The Hershey Company and Wendys, and discusses leadership transitions within these firms.

Industry

  • Food and Beverage – The article focuses on The Hershey Company, a major player in the food and beverage industry, and highlights leadership changes that could impact the company's market strategies within this sector.
  • Consumer Packaged Goods – Kirk Tanner's movement from Wendys to Hershey emphasizes the consumer packaged goods sector due to both companies' involvement in producing and delivering consumer items.

Financials

    Participants

    NameRoleTypeDescription
    Kirk TannerNew CEO of The Hershey CompanyPeopleKirk Tanner is the newly appointed CEO of The Hershey Company, effective August 18, 2024, bringing with him extensive experience from his previous role at PepsiCo.
    Michele BuckRetiring CEO of The Hershey CompanyPeopleMichele Buck is retiring after a lengthy tenure at The Hershey Company, including eight years as its CEO.
    The Hershey CompanyTarget CompanyCompaniesThe Hershey Company, a leading snacks and confectionery producer.
    WendysPrevious Employer of Kirk TannerCompaniesWendys, where Kirk Tanner was employed before his appointment as the CEO of The Hershey Company.
    Ken CookInterim CEO of WendysPeopleKen Cook, the current CFO of Wendys, will serve as the interim CEO following Kirk Tanner's departure.
    PepsiCoPrevious Employer of Kirk TannerCompaniesPepsiCo, where Kirk Tanner spent a significant part of his career, leading the North American beverages unit.
    Mary Kay HabenDirector and Chair of Hershey Search CommitteePeopleMary Kay Haben led the search committee at Hershey, which appointed Kirk Tanner as CEO.