Movers and Shakers The right people in the right roles can make all the difference
Kirk Tanner appointed CEO of the Hershey Company
The Hershey Company has announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Kirk Tanner as President and CEO, effective August 18, 2025. He will succeed Michele Buck, who announced her retirement earlier this year. Buck will remain in a senior advisory role to support a smooth transition. Tanner is a seasoned food and beverage
executive with over 30 years of experience. He spent much of his career at PepsiCo, where he most recently served as CEO of PepsiCo Beverages North America, managing a $28 billion portfolio including brands like Pepsi, Gatorade, and Mountain Dew. He drove growth through brand building, innovation, and strong customer partnerships, while leading portfolio transformation to meet changing consumer trends. Tanner also held senior roles such as President of PepsiCo Global Foodservice
and SVP of Frito-Lay North America’s West Division. He currently serves as President and CEO
of The Wendy’s Company, where he has led brand growth, innovation, operational excellence, and global expansion. “Kirk is a high-impact leader with deep
experience in snacks, beverages, M&A, and innovation,” said Mary Kay Haben, Lead Independent Director and Chair of the CEO Search Committee. “His track record and leadership style make him well-suited to lead Hershey into the future.” Haben also thanked Buck for her
transformative leadership, noting her role in shaping Hershey’s Leading Snacking Powerhouse vision and delivering sustained growth. “I’m honoured to lead a company I’ve long admired,” said Tanner. “I’ll continue focusing
Kirk Tanner
on consumers, customers, and colleagues to fuel growth for Hershey’s iconic brands.” Buck added, “It has been the greatest honour of my career to lead Hershey through transformational growth. I’m excited to support Kirk during this transition and see what’s next for the company.”
Plant-Ex Ingredients appoints new Global Technical Director
Plant-Ex Ingredients has appointed Rebecca Stewart as its new Global Technical Director, effective July 2025, reinforcing its commitment to operational excellence and compliance across all sites. Rebecca joins from Peters Food Service,
where she served as Technical Director, overseeing regulatory strategy, quality assurance, and technical innovation across multiple facilities. With over 20 years of experience in the food ingredients and foodservice sectors, she brings deep expertise in scaling technical operations, ensuring compliance, and embedding robust quality systems. In her new role, Rebecca will lead technical
strategy across Plant-Ex’s global sites, focusing on regulatory compliance, product safety, and quality assurance. She will also support the company’s ongoing expansion and investment in new production facilities. Giles Drewett, CEO of Plant-Ex, said:
“We’re delighted to welcome Rebecca to the team. Her expertise in technical leadership and operational compliance is exactly what we need as we grow globally. Her leadership will ensure our sites meet
Rebecca Stewart
the highest standards in quality and regulatory integrity.” Rebecca commented: “I’m incredibly
excited to join Plant-Ex. The company’s vision, culture, and industry impact are inspiring. This opportunity aligns with my passion for food safety and quality, and I look forward to contributing to the next chapter of growth and innovation.”
Her appointment follows major
investment by Plant-Ex in expanding capacity, acquiring Polish manufacturer Aromacolors, and entering new markets. Rebecca’s leadership is expected to further strengthen the company’s reputation as a trusted, quality-focused partner for customers and regulatory authorities worldwide.
42 • KENNEDY’S CONFECTION • JULY 2025
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