Kirk Tanner to lead Hershey as president, CEO

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Kirk Tanner to lead Hershey as president, CEO

8 Jul 2025

Annie Hollon

Annie Hollon is a journalist, copywriter and social media strategist from the Dallas, Texas area. She found a love for magazine writing during her time at the University of Alabama where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, double majoring in public relations and English. Beyond writing, you can find her expanding her library, attempting to teach herself the guitar and trying new hobbies.

HERSHEY, PA — The Hershey Co., parent company to brands including Dot’s Homestyle Pretzels, announced its next era of leadership with the appointment of Kirk Tanner as president and CEO, effective Aug. 18.

“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,” said Mary Kay Haben, lead independent director and chair of the Hershey CEO search committee. “With a track record of driving growth in complex global businesses, Kirk brings a focused, results-driven mindset.”

Tanner brings more than 30 years of experience in the food and beverage industry to the role. He most recently served as president and CEO of The Wendy’s Co. and CEO of PepsiCo Beverages North America. He also previously held senior leadership roles at PepsiCo Global Food Service, Frito-Lay North America and PepsiCo UK and Ireland.

“His deep experience in snacks, beverages, M&A and innovation — combined with public company CEO and board roles — makes him well suited to lead Hershey into the future,” Haben said. “Kirk is a strong leader, earning followership at every level and is committed to engaging with employees, the community and stockholders to advance Hershey’s ambition to be a leading snacking powerhouse and to deliver long-term, sustainable growth.”

“Leading Hershey is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make a difference with loved brands, and I look forward to working closely with the board of directors and the entire team to advance our leading snacking powerhouse ambition.” — Kirk Tanner | incoming president and CEO | The Hershey Co.

A new era of leadership

This announcement comes six months after the company shared succession plans for Michele Buck, current Hershey president and CEO, who announced her intention to retire from the company by June 2026.

“Michele architected and championed Hershey’s leading snacking powerhouse vision, guiding the company through multiple phases of transformational growth,” Haben said. “The impact of her courageous leadership, evolution of portfolio and capabilities, and authentic connection to people leave a legacy and a roadmap that positions Hershey well for the future.”

Buck will work alongside Tanner in a senior advisory capacity to support a successful transition.

“I am truly honored to be chosen as the next leader of a company I’ve long admired,” Tanner said. “Throughout my career, I’ve remained focused on the three pillars that drive success: understanding and delighting consumers, building strong partnerships with customers and investing in colleagues. This commitment to the three Cs will guide our strategic decisions and fuel the growth of Hershey’s iconic brands –– all while having fun with our employees and customers. Leading Hershey is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make a difference with loved brands, and I look forward to working closely with the board of directors and the entire team to advance our leading snacking powerhouse ambition.”

Prior to Tanner’s announcement, Hershey appointed Stacy Taffet as chief growth officer.