Wendy's CEO Kirk Tanner has been named the new chief executive of The Hershey Company. Tanner will replace Michele Buck, who is retiring after almost 20 years at Hershey, including almost eight as CEO. Tanner's move to Hershey marks his return to the consumer packaged goods space.

Wendy's said on Tuesday its CEO Kirk Tanner was leaving the burger chain after just over a year in the role to take on the top job at chocolate maker Hershey. For Wendy's, the change comes at a time when it has been grappling with muted sales as macroeconomic volatility pushes more people to eat at home.

Longtime food and beverage exec Kirk Tanner was appointed as the Hershey Co.’s new CEO early on Tuesday. Tanner will be replacing former Hershey’s CEO Michele Buck after she announced her retirement early this year, and he will be leaving his current position as Wendy’s CEO to begin his new role with the chocolate company on August 18, 2025.