#United States #Hershey #Chief Growth Officer #Stacy Taffet

Hershey's New Growth Leader: Stacy Taffet

Hershey has made a significant announcement regarding its future leadership by appointing Stacy Taffet as its new Chief Growth Officer, effective from April 14, 2025. As the company seeks to strengthen its position in the highly competitive snacking industry, Taffet brings a wealth of experience and expertise that is expected to significantly contribute to Hershey's ambitious growth plans.

In her role, Taffet will be responsible for strategizing the transformative growth initiatives that will enhance the company’s snacks portfolio, which includes some of the world’s most beloved brands like Hershey’s, Reese’s, Jolly Rancher, and Dot's Homestyle Pretzels. Her appointment signals Hershey's commitment to evolving its business strategies to capture new market opportunities and engage consumers more effectively.

A Proven Track Record

Stacy Taffet carries over 20 years of marketing leadership experience, particularly in the consumer-packaged goods (CPG) sector, with an impressive 15 years attributed to PepsiCo. Her previous role as Senior Vice President of Beverage Portfolio Strategy and Marketing at PepsiCo showcased her ability to drive substantial business growth through comprehensive marketing and brand management efforts. At PepsiCo, she was pivotal in transforming the marketing strategies of major beverage brands such as Pepsi and bubly, delivering sustainable growth via digital marketing and innovative commercial planning.

Michele Buck, the President and CEO of The Hershey Company, expressed her enthusiasm for Taffet’s appointment, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome Stacy to Hershey's executive team. With deep expertise in brand strategy, innovation, and commercial growth, Stacy brings strategic capabilities to accelerate our vision to become a leading snacking powerhouse.” Buck’s confidence in Taffet reflects the expectations surrounding her ability to elevate Hershey’s position in the global snacks market.

Strategic Focus Areas

As Chief Growth Officer, Taffet will oversee several critical strategies that include media and creative investments, marketing innovations, research and development, and consumer intelligence. By harnessing these capabilities, she aims to foster brand development that resonates with consumers and drives demand creation in new and innovative ways.

One of her goals will be to further leverage both community impact and the company’s heritage to strengthen Hershey's brand reputation. With a focus on delivering encounters that create lasting consumer loyalty, Taffet’s plans include launching campaigns that engage customers emotionally while remaining aligned with the company’s purpose of creating more moments of goodness through its products.

Commitment to Community and Legacy

Stacy Taffet is also recognized for her contributions beyond corporate walls. She participates actively in support of non-profit organizations and has been recognized nationally for her contributions to the industry, including accolades from Brand Innovators Top 100 Women in Brand Marketing and AdAge Women to Watch. This community involvement aligns with Hershey’s foundation, which emphasizes the importance of making a positive impact through education and support for children, a tradition rooted in the legacy of company founders like Milton Hershey.

In her own words, Taffet said, “I am deeply honored to join Hershey and help shape its next chapter of growth. Throughout my career, I've admired Hershey not only for its iconic brands but also for its exceptional talent and commitment to community impact.” Her statement reflects a clear intent to uphold and advance the mission of the Hershey brand.

Looking Forward

The Hershey Company, which has achieved over $11.2 billion in annual revenues, continues to represent one of the leading snacks companies in the world, employing over 20,000 people across approximately 70 countries. With Taffet at the helm of its growth strategies, Hershey is poised to navigate new challenges and seize opportunities in the ever-evolving snack market.

As the company moves ahead, it will likely launch new initiatives that not only enhance their product lines but also foster a deeper connection with consumers, creating moments of joy that span generations. With Stacy Taffet leading the charge, the future looks exciting for Hershey, its brands, and the communities they serve.