Michele Buck, the Hershey Company CEO, president and board of directors chairwoman, recently informed the board she plans to retire, effective June 30, 2026.
“Our team has created one of the strongest and most recognizable snacking portfolios in the industry and I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished,” Buck said. “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. This year will be my 20th at Hershey and as we embark on a new year, I believe now is the right time to formally activate our succession planning and begin the transition to Hershey’s next leader.”
A special committee, appointed by the board, will search for a replacement in partnership with a nationally recognized search firm. It will consider internal and external candidates. Buck will serve in her existing roles until her successor is appointed. Once a successor is appointed, Buck will resign from the board and transition to a senior advisor role.