Hershey Names Wendy’s CEO Kirk Tanner as New Leader

Hershey Names Wendy’s CEO Kirk Tanner as New Leader, Replacing Retiring Michele Buck

NEW YORK – The Hershey Company announced today that Kirk Tanner, currently CEO of Wendy’s, will become its next President and Chief Executive Officer, effective August 18th. Tanner will succeed Michele Buck, who is retiring after nearly two decades with Hershey, including almost eight years as CEO.

Tanner’s appointment marks a return to the consumer packaged goods industry, having joined Wendy’s in 2024 following a 30+ year career at PepsiCo, where he led the North American beverages unit.

“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,” stated Mary Kay Haben, director and chair of Hershey’s CEO search committee, in a press release. “his deep experience in snacks, beverages, M&A and innovation…makes him well suited to lead Hershey into the future.”

buck’s retirement was initially announced earlier this year. She will continue to advise Hershey through the end of 2024.

Meanwhile, Wendy’s has appointed CFO Ken Cook as interim CEO, effective July 18th, as the board initiates a search for a permanent replacement for Tanner. Cook previously held senior roles at UPS.

Source: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kirk-tanner-appointed-president-and-chief-executive-officer-of-the-hershey-company-effective-august-18-2025-302499239.html

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How might Tanner leverage his QSR experience to innovate Hershey’s product progress and marketing strategies?

The Leadership Transition at Hershey

hershey announced today, July 8, 2025, that Kirk Tanner, currently the President and CEO of Wendy’s, will assume the role of President and CEO at The Hershey Company. This marks a meaningful shift in leadership for the iconic confectionery giant, following the departure of Michele Buck, who served as Hershey’s CEO for eight years. The transition will be effective december 1, 2025, allowing for a structured handover period. This news impacts the food industry, confectionery market, and leadership changes within major corporations.

Kirk Tanner’s Background and Experience

Tanner brings a wealth of experience in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) and rapid-service restaurant (QSR) sectors to Hershey.

Wendy’s Leadership: as CEO of Wendy’s since february 2023, Tanner spearheaded initiatives focused on international expansion, digital innovation, and menu development. he successfully navigated a competitive fast-food landscape, driving revenue growth and enhancing brand loyalty.

Prior Roles: before Wendy’s, Tanner held various leadership positions at PepsiCo for over 20 years, including roles in marketing, sales, and strategy.His experience encompasses a broad understanding of brand building, supply chain management, and consumer behavior.

Educational Background: Tanner holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from Auburn University.

This diverse background positions him well to lead Hershey through its next phase of growth, particularly in areas like snack food innovation and global market expansion.

Michele Buck’s Legacy at Hershey

Michele Buck’s tenure as CEO was marked by significant achievements, including:

1. Strategic Acquisitions: Buck oversaw key acquisitions, such as the purchase of Amplify Snack Brands (makers of SkinnyPop) and Dot’s Pretzels, diversifying Hershey’s portfolio beyond conventional chocolate.
2. International Growth: Under her leadership, Hershey expanded its international presence, particularly in emerging markets.
3. Focus on innovation: buck championed innovation in product development, introducing new flavors, formats, and healthier snack options.
4. Shareholder Value: Hershey’s stock price experienced ample growth during buck’s leadership, reflecting investor confidence in the company’s performance.

Her departure leaves a strong foundation for Tanner to build upon, continuing the momentum of Hershey’s growth strategy.

Implications for the Confectionery Industry

tanner’s appointment is expected to have several implications for the confectionery industry:

Increased Competition: His experience at Wendy’s, a highly competitive QSR chain, may bring a more aggressive and consumer-focused approach to Hershey’s competitive strategy.

Digital Conversion: tanner’s emphasis on digital innovation at Wendy’s suggests he will prioritize enhancing Hershey’s digital capabilities, including e-commerce, data analytics, and personalized marketing.

Snackification Trend: He is likely to continue Hershey’s focus on the “snackification” trend, developing more convenient and on-the-go snack options to cater to changing consumer preferences. This aligns with broader consumer trends in the food sector.

Supply Chain Resilience: Given current global challenges, Tanner’s experience in managing complex supply chains at PepsiCo and Wendy’s will be crucial for ensuring Hershey’s operational efficiency.

Hershey’s Current Market Position

Hershey currently holds a leading position in the North American confectionery market, with iconic brands like Hershey’s Chocolate, Reese’s, Kit Kat (licensed in the US), and Twizzlers. However, the company faces increasing competition from both established players like Mars Wrigley and up-and-coming brands focused on healthier and more lasting snacks. Key market challenges include:

Rising Cocoa Prices: Fluctuations in cocoa prices can significantly impact Hershey’s profitability.

Health and Wellness trends: Consumers are increasingly seeking healthier snack options,requiring Hershey to innovate and diversify its product portfolio.

Sustainability Concerns: Growing consumer awareness of sustainability issues is putting pressure on Hershey to adopt more ethical and environmentally responsible sourcing practices.

Tanner’s Initial Priorities

Analysts predict Tanner’s initial priorities at Hershey will include:

Seamless Transition: Ensuring a smooth handover from Michele Buck and maintaining the company’s positive momentum.

Strategic review: Conducting a comprehensive review of Hershey’s current strategy and identifying opportunities for growth and innovation.

Strengthening Digital Capabilities: Investing in digital technologies to enhance customer engagement and drive e-commerce sales.

Supply Chain Optimization: Improving the efficiency and resilience of Hershey’s supply chain.

* talent development: Fostering a strong and engaged workforce to support the company’s long-