Wendy’s CEO Kirk Tanner Named New CEO of The Hershey Company
Leadership shuffle marks major transition in both the fast food and confectionery industries.
In a notable executive move, Kirk Tanner, CEO of Wendy’s, has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of The Hershey Company. The leadership transition will take effect on August 18, 2025, and marks a significant shift as Hershey prepares for a new chapter under Tanner’s guidance.
Tanner will succeed Michele Buck, who is stepping down after nearly two decades at Hershey, including almost eight impactful years as CEO. Buck, who has been instrumental in driving Hershey’s growth and innovation in the snacks and sweets segment, will continue serving as an advisor to the company until the end of the year.
From Fast Food to Chocolate: A Strategic Return to CPG
Kirk Tanner took the helm at Wendy’s in 2024 following an impressive three-decade tenure at PepsiCo. At PepsiCo, he led the North American beverages unit and gained deep experience in consumer packaged goods (CPG), mergers and acquisitions, and operational leadership.
His appointment is seen as a strategic return to his roots in the CPG sector.
“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, director and chair of Hershey’s CEO search committee. “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.”
What’s Next for Wendy’s?
As Tanner prepares to take the reins at Hershey, Wendy’s has already announced a leadership transition of its own. Chief Financial Officer Ken Cook will serve as interim CEO when Tanner officially steps down on July 18.
Cook, who has been Wendy’s CFO since early 2024, brings extensive leadership experience from his previous roles at UPS and is expected to ensure a stable transition as the company searches for its next permanent leader.
Industry Watchers React
This move comes at a time of significant evolution for both Hershey and Wendy’s. With Tanner's expertise in scaling large consumer brands and driving innovation, stakeholders and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how his leadership will shape Hershey’s next era.
Meanwhile, Wendy’s will look to maintain momentum under interim leadership as it continues its transformation in a competitive fast food market.