HERSHEY, PA — The Hershey Company, owner of Dot’s Pretzels and ONE Brands, announced two leadership appointments. Veronica Villasenor has been named president of salty snacks, and Andrew Archambault has been named president of US confection.
Villasenor is a Hershey veteran of 22 years and will be part of the company’s executive committee, working closely with the team to advance goals and provide leadership. She succeeds Kristen Riggs, who is leaving Hershey after 20 years to pursue other opportunities.
Villasenor’s tenure at Hershey will help drive salty snacks’ growth plans. She previously served as VP of salty snacks and brings a fresh perspective from her roles in management, marketing and innovation across Hershey’s three business units: salty snacks, confection and international.
“I am honored to step into this new role and continue building our portfolio and capabilities to deliver accelerated growth with our Salty Snacks team,” Villasenor said. “Throughout my career at Hershey, I have been deeply committed to delivering for our customers, delighting our consumers and developing our people. I’m excited to continue this journey.”
“I am confident that Andrew and Vero are the right leaders to advance our leading snacking powerhouse vision and deliver on our next phase of growth.” — Michele Buck | president and CEO | The Hershey Company
Archambault, who is joining the company from Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP), will oversee a portfolio of brands, including Hershey’s, Reese’s and Jolly Rancher. He brings a wide range of experience from KDP where he was a pivotal part in evolving brands such as Dr Pepper and Canada Dry to deliver results at scale. In his most recent role as president of US refreshment beverages, he rapidly expanded the business and positioned it for long-term growth through strategic partnerships and acquisitions.
“It is an honor to join Hershey during a period of strategic transformation,” Archambault said. “I, like so many others, am inspired by this iconic company and its beloved brands and look forward to working with the incredible Hershey team to build for the future as we take this business to the next level of growth.”
Both appointments are effective Feb. 3.
“Andrew is a proven executive who has transformed complex consumer brand portfolios through his deep commercial expertise and customer-centric approach,” said Michele Buck, president and CEO of The Hershey Company. “I am very excited to pair this announcement with an internal promotion, welcoming Vero as our new president of salty snacks. Vero’s extensive experience across the Hershey business will be key to the continued success of our salty business. I am confident that Andrew and Vero are the right leaders to advance our leading snacking powerhouse vision and deliver on our next phase of growth. I also want to thank Kristen for her many valuable contributions during her long tenure at Hershey, including her leadership integrating Dot’s and Pretzel’s, Inc. and setting up the commercial foundation to scale our salty snacks business. I wish her the very best in all her future endeavors.”
