Hershey Co. Names Wendy’s Leader as New CEO

Wendy’s CEO Kirk Tanner was named the next Chief Executive Officer of the Hershey Co. on Tuesday.

Industry media reported Tanner was stepping down from his Wendy’s role a little over a year after taking the helm. He will succeed Michele Buck at Hershey’s who is retiring.

According to Fast Company, Tanner’s business portfolio includes PepsiCo, where he worked for 31 years and worked his way up from sales associate to chief executive officer.

Wendy’s has reportedly appointed its current Chief Financial Officer, Ken Cook, as interim CEO while it searches for a permanent successor.

Tanner will officially assume his new role at Hershey on Aug. 18, about a month after departing Wendy’s.