Hershey appoints Wendy's chief Kirk Tanner as new CEO
UNITED STATES, JUL 8 – Kirk Tanner replaces Michele Buck, who retires after nearly 20 years at Hershey, bringing over 30 years of experience including leadership at PepsiCo, effective August 18.
- Wendy's CEO Kirk Tanner will become Hershey Company's President and CEO effective August 18, 2025, succeeding Michele Buck who is retiring after nearly 20 years at Hershey.
- Buck declared her intention to retire at the beginning of 2025 and will continue advising Hershey through the end of that year. Meanwhile, Ken Cook, who serves as CFO, has been appointed as interim CEO of Wendy's following Tanner's departure on July 18.
- Tanner brings over 30 years of leadership experience at PepsiCo, including CEO of its $28 billion North American beverages unit, and has led portfolio transformations focusing on snacks, beverages, M&A, and innovation.
- Mary Kay Haben, Hershey’s Lead Independent Director and head of the CEO search committee, described Tanner as an accomplished leader with strong expertise in commercial strategy and operational management, highlighting his suitability to steer the company’s future expansion.
- Tanner's appointment suggests Hershey aims to continue its strategic focus on evolving consumer trends and innovation while advancing its ambition as a leading snacking powerhouse.
29 Articles
29 Articles
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Longtime food and beverage exec Kirk Tanner was appointed as the Hershey Co.’s new CEO early on Tuesday. Tanner will be replacing former Hershey’s CEO Michele Buck after she announced her retirement early this year, and he will be leaving his current position as Wendy’s CEO to begin his new role with the chocolate company on August 18, 2025. His business portfolio includes the likes of PepsiCo, where he worked for 31 years and climbed the corpor…
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