The Hershey Company has announced the appointment of Kirk Tanner as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective August 18, 2025. Tanner, who currently serves as CEO of The Wendy’s Company, will succeed Michele Buck, who is retiring after an eight-year tenure at the helm of the iconic confectionery and snacks maker.
Buck, who announced her retirement plans earlier this year, will remain with Hershey in a senior advisory capacity through the end of 2025 to ensure a smooth leadership transition. Under her leadership, Hershey expanded beyond its traditional chocolate portfolio, acquiring brands like SkinnyPop and Dot’s Homestyle Pretzels, and positioning itself as a multi-category snacking powerhouse.
Tanner brings over three decades of experience in the food and beverage industry, including a 30-year career at PepsiCo, where he ultimately served as CEO of PepsiCo Beverages North America. In that role, he managed a $28 billion portfolio of brands such as Pepsi, Gatorade, and Mountain Dew. At Wendy’s, Tanner led initiatives focused on brand innovation, operational excellence, and global expansion.
“Kirk 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,” said Mary Kay Haben, Lead Independent Director and Chair of the CEO Search Committee.
Tanner expressed enthusiasm about leading Hershey, stating, “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.”
The leadership change comes as Hershey navigates challenges such as rising cocoa prices and tariff-related costs, which have impacted the confectionery industry. The company is also contending with shifting consumer preferences and economic uncertainties affecting spending habits.
In response to the announcement, Hershey’s stock experienced a slight decline, reflecting investor caution amid the leadership transition and broader market conditions.
Tanner’s appointment signals Hershey’s commitment to sustaining growth and innovation in the competitive snacking industry. His extensive experience in brand management and operational leadership is expected to drive the company’s strategic initiatives forward.
