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.

Hershey has named former PepsiCo executive Kirk Tanner as its new president and CEO to succeed Michele Buck, who had announced her intention to retire in June next year. Tanner, who is president and CEO of the fast-food chain Wendy's,

Wendy's CEO Kirk Tanner has been named the new chief executive of The Hershey Company. Tanner will replace Michele Buck, who is retiring after almost 20 years at Hershey, including almost eight as CEO. Tanner's move to Hershey marks his return to the consumer packaged goods space.