Hershey Appoints Kirk Tanner as CEO Amid Strategic Transition
The Hershey Company has named Kirk Tanner as its next President and Chief Executive Officer, effective August 18, 2025. Tanner, currently CEO of Wendy’s, will succeed Michele Buck, who plans to retire on June 30, 2026, after nearly two decades with the chocolate and snacks giant.
Tanner brings more than 30 years of leadership in the food and beverage industry. Prior to joining Wendy’s in February 2024, he held a series of executive roles at PepsiCo, including CEO of PepsiCo Beverages North America. There, he oversaw a $28 billion portfolio that included iconic brands such as Pepsi, Gatorade, and Mountain Dew.
At Wendy’s, Tanner emphasized innovation and digital transformation. He rolled out AI-powered voice ordering at drive-throughs and launched unconventional product tie-ins, including limited-edition meals featuring Takis chips and SpongeBob SquarePants branding. Despite these efforts, Wendy’s faced economic headwinds, including declining sales and a notable drop in share price.
Tanner’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment for Hershey, which is contending with industry-wide challenges such as elevated cocoa prices, tariff pressures, and shifting consumer preferences. He is expected to carry forward the company’s strategic expansion into snacks and better-for-you options, an initiative spearheaded by Buck during her tenure.
As the first woman to lead Hershey, Buck was a transformative figure. She steered the company beyond its confectionery roots by acquiring brands like SkinnyPop and Dot’s Pretzels, significantly broadening Hershey’s snacking portfolio and expanding its international presence. Buck will remain on board during the transition period, serving as a senior advisor until her official retirement next summer.
Mary Kay Haben, chair of Hershey’s CEO search committee, praised the incoming leader’s credentials. “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,” she stated.
Investor response to the leadership shuffle was muted but notable. Hershey shares fell about 2% following the announcement, while Wendy’s experienced a 1% dip, signaling some market caution amid the transition.
Looking ahead, Tanner is expected to steer Hershey through both emerging market opportunities and ongoing economic uncertainties. With a focus on innovation, operational efficiency, and global growth, his leadership marks the next chapter in the company’s storied history.
