#United States #Hershey #Hershey Company #New President #Heather Hoytink

Heather Hoytink Appointed as President of The Hershey Company

In an exciting announcement, The Hershey Company, one of the most recognized names in the candy and snack industry, named Heather Hoytink as its new President for the U.S. market. This change will officially take effect on July 8, 2026, as the company aims to continue its growth trajectory under Hoytink's seasoned leadership.

Hoytink, who previously served as the Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer of U.S. Away From Home Beverages at PepsiCo, comes with a wealth of experience—over two decades in sales and operations across various large-scale commercial functions. Her track record at PepsiCo included leading a significant commercial platform, which directly interacted with major national customers, enhancing their beverage offerings across North America. Notably, she has a strong reputation for driving growth, backed by a transformational leadership style that focuses on building robust customer partnerships and empowering high-performing teams.

Kirk Tanner, President and CEO of The Hershey Company, expressed his enthusiasm about Hoytink's arrival, highlighting her outstanding leadership qualities and strong customer relationships as pivotal assets for Hershey. His confidence in her ability to accelerate the company’s U.S. business reflects Hoytink’s impressive history of navigating complex commercial organizations successfully.

As she steps into her role, Hoytink will take full accountability for Hershey’s U.S. commercial operations. This includes oversight of the full snacking portfolio, encompassing not only the cherished sweetness of confectionery but also the increasingly popular savory items and protein products. Her goal will be to foster a ONE Hershey commercial model, aiming to strengthen existing retail partnerships and deliver unmatched value to both consumers and retailers alike.

“Joining Hershey at this exhilarating time is truly an honor,” said Hoytink in a statement. “What excites me most is leveraging the iconic brands, the resilience of our strong customer partnerships, and the passion of our talented team to drive significant growth. Together, we will focus on creating winning teams and exploring new market opportunities.”

A graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Hoytink majored in marketing and communications. She further enhanced her expertise through executive education programs at prestigious institutions like the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth and Harvard Business School. Her robust educational foundation complements her extensive professional journey, equipping her with insights to lead Hershey effectively.

The Hershey Company, a front-runner in the snack industry, continues to thrive with a commitment to delivering quality, delicious products. With a portfolio of over 85 brands, including the likes of Hershey's, Reese's, Kisses, and KIT KAT®, the company generates substantial revenues and supports its operations with a purpose-driven approach, focusing on good governance and sustainable practices.

Hoytink's appointment is set against a backdrop of revitalized growth strategies as Hershey aims for innovative expansions into new channels and markets. With her experience in harnessing digital avenues and omnichannel strategies, the company is well-positioned to tackle the evolving landscape of consumer preferences.

As she embarks on this new chapter, the industry and consumers alike will be watching closely to see how Hoytink spearheads initiatives to elevate The Hershey Company in an increasingly competitive marketplace. Her vision of teamwork, customer collaboration, and strategic execution will surely set the tone for Hershey’s next phase of growth and success.