Hershey has announced it is on the lookout for a new CEO following the resignation of Michele Buck effective June 30, 2026.
Buck, who is Chairman of the Board of Directors, President and CEO, said she intends to serve in her existing roles until her successor is appointed, at which time she plans to resign from the Board and transition to a senior advisor role until her retirement.
“It has been the pinnacle of my career to lead Hershey, a truly one-of-a-kind company. Our team has created one of the strongest and most recognisable snacking portfolios in the industry and I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished.”
The Board has appointed a special committee to direct the search for the company’s next CEO and will consider external and internal candidates in partnership with a nationally recognised search firm.
“I am a firm believer that our long-term success is rooted in Hershey culture – the spirit of innovation has kept us at the forefront of new and changing trends to best serve our customers and consumers, made us a stronger partner for our communities and contributed to significant value creation for our shareholders,” said Buck.
Victor Crawford, Lead Independent Director of the Board, said the Board is grateful for Buck’s vision and transformational leadership, not only over the past eight years as CEO but for the past two decades.
“Michele has made innumerable marks on Hershey, including serving as the key architect of the Company’s expansion into broader snacking categories, driving sustainable international growth and building advanced capabilities and growth platforms to evolve Hershey into a stronger and more diversified business.
“Succession planning is a matter the Board and Michele have been discussing and with Michele’s continued guidance and leadership, we are confident we will execute a seamless transition.”
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