In a notable leadership transition spanning two major food industry sectors, Kirk Tanner has stepped down as CEO of Wendy’s to take on the top job at The Hershey Company. The move comes less than 18 months into his tenure at Wendy’s and signals a strategic shift for both organizations.
Tanner, who officially exits Wendy’s on July 18, 2025, will assume his role as President and CEO of Hershey starting August 18, 2025. He replaces long-time CEO Michele Buck, who will stay on through the end of the year in an advisory capacity before retiring in June 2026.
Tanner is a seasoned industry leader with over 30 years at PepsiCo, where he most recently led the North American beverage division, overseeing a $28 billion portfolio.
His move to Wendy’s in February 2024 marked a pivot into the quick-service restaurant space, where he brought an emphasis on operational efficiency, global expansion, and digital transformation.
With Tanner’s departure, Wendy’s has appointed Ken Cook, Chief Financial Officer, as interim CEO, effective July 18. The board has initiated a formal search for a permanent replacement, focusing on candidates who can build on the strategic foundations laid by Tanner.
“It has been a privilege to lead Wendy’s, an iconic brand, and I leave with a sense of gratitude for our employees and franchisees who make the Company a truly special place,” Tanner said in a statement.
For Hershey, Tanner’s appointment underscores its ambition to double down on snacking innovation and global scale. While best known for its legacy chocolate portfolio, the company has steadily diversified into savory and better-for-you categories with acquisitions like Pirate’s Booty and Dot’s Pretzels.
Tanner’s QSR and beverage experience is expected to help Hershey tap into new consumption occasions, expand convenience retail strategies, and strengthen operational agility amid supply chain headwinds and changing consumer preferences.
Michele Buck, who led Hershey through a period of transformation and consistent growth, expressed confidence in her successor: “Leading Hershey has been the honor of my career. I have immense confidence in Kirk and the leadership team to continue our momentum.”
For Wendy’s, the leadership transition comes at a pivotal time, as it looks to regain lost ground in the U.S. burger wars and expand more aggressively into international markets.
