Hershey Names Longtime PepsiCo Exec as New CEO

Kirk Tanner currently leads hamburger chain Wendy's.

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The Hershey Company announced Tuesday that Wendy's CEO Kirk Tanner will be the chocolate maker's new chief executive.

Tanner will take over as president and CEO on Aug. 18, succeeding the retiring Michele Buck. Buck will work with Tanner in a "senior advisory capacity" during the transition, the company said.

Tanner took over as Wendy's CEO early last year after more than three decades at PepsiCo, including positions as president of its global foodservice business, senior vice president of Frito-Lay North America's West division, vice president of sales for the U.K. and Ireland region, and, finally, as CEO of PepsiCo Beverages North America.

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

"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," Tanner said in the announcement.

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