Foodservice

Hershey Company appoints Kirk Tanner as CEO

Photo: JHVEPhoto - stock.adobe.com

July 9, 2025

The Hershey Company's Board of Directors has appointed Kirk Tanner as president and chief executive officer, effective August 18, 2025. Tanner will succeed Michele Buck, who announced her retirement earlier this year, according to a press release. Buck will remain in a senior advisory role to ensure a smooth transition.

Kirk Tanner, CEO. Photo courtesy of the Hershey Company.

Tanner brings over three decades of experience in the food and beverage industry, including his most recent role as president and CEO of The Wendy's Company. Prior to that, he spent over 30 years at PepsiCo, Inc., culminating in his position as CEO of PepsiCo Beverages North America, where he oversaw a $28 billion business with brands such as Pepsi, Gatorade and Mountain Dew. His tenure at PepsiCo focused on driving growth and profitability through brand building, innovation and strategic partnerships.

"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," Mary Kay Haben, lead independent director and chair of the CEO Search Committee, told the news outlet.

"I am truly honored to be chosen as the next leader of a company I've long admired," Tanner said in the release. "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."