Hershey Appoints New President and Chief Executive Officer
New Leadership at The Hershey Co: Kirk Tanner Takes the Reins
In a significant move for the chocolate industry, Kirk Tanner has been appointed as the new President and CEO of The Hershey Co., effective August 18, 2025. Tanner, a seasoned executive with over three decades of experience in the food and beverage industry, most recently served as the President and CEO of The Wendy’s Co.
Tanner's career spans over 31 years at PepsiCo, where he held multiple high-level roles, including CEO of PepsiCo Beverages North America, president of PepsiCo Global Foodservice Division, and senior vice president and general manager of Frito-Lay West Division. He began his career as a merchandising and sales representative intern at Procter & Gamble.
With a strong expertise in snacks, beverages, innovation, M&A, customer partnerships, and operational scale, Tanner is recognised for driving growth and profitability by focusing on consumers, brand building, and market execution. His leadership at PepsiCo and Wendy’s, combined with public company CEO and board experience, positions him well to lead Hershey’s future.
Tanner's commitment to the three Cs (Consumers, Customers, Colleagues) will guide strategic decisions and the growth of Hershey's iconic brands. He is eager to make a difference with the loved brands at The Hershey Co. and looks forward to working closely with the Board of Directors and the entire team.
Michele Buck, the previous president and CEO of The Hershey Co, is officially retiring at the end of the year. Buck, who has led the company since 2017, has stated that leading The Hershey Co and working with the exceptional team to transform the company into a multi-category snacking leader has been the greatest honour of her career. Buck will work with Tanner during a brief transition process before retiring.
Mary Kay Haben, lead independent director and chair of the CEO search committee, praised Tanner's qualifications. Haben also thanked Michele Buck for her leadership at The Hershey Co. The Hershey, Pa.-based company will report its second quarter earnings on July 30.
Tanner's leadership strategy focuses on understanding and delighting consumers, building strong partnerships with customers, and investing in colleagues. With his extensive background in the food and beverage industry, Tanner brings a deep industry track record from major corporations (PepsiCo and Wendy’s), focusing on brand transformation and strategic growth.
The Hershey Co's Board of Directors appointed Tanner for his proven leadership and strategic vision. Tanner is thrilled about this opportunity and is looking forward to helping the company continue its growth and success.
Tanner's extensive background in the food and beverage industry, spanning multiple high-level roles at PepsiCo and The Wendy's Co, will be instrumental in shaping Hershey's future business strategies, particularly in the areas of finance and supply chain management.
In his new role as the President and CEO of The Hershey Co, Tanner aims to foster growth in careers across the organization, building on his commitment to fostering strong partnerships with customers and investing in colleagues.
