Hershey CEO to Retire

Michele Buck plans to continue in her current roles until a successor is appointed.

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The Hershey Company announced Friday that President, Chairman and CEO Michele Buck plans to retire from the company in mid-2026.

Buck intends to remain in her current roles until a successor is named. She would then resign from the company's board and shift into a senior advisor role until her retirement date.

Buck said that "the time is right" to begin succession planning at the outset of the new year — her 20th at the chocolate and candy giant.

"It has been the pinnacle of my career to lead Hershey, a truly one-of-a-kind company," Buck said in the announcement. "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."

Hershey said that its board of directors had formed a special committee to search for its next CEO with a "nationally recognized" search firm. The company intends to consider both internal and external candidates.

"Succession planning is a matter the board and Michele have been discussing, and with Michele's continued guidance and leadership, we are confident we will execute a seamless transition," said Victor Crawford, lead independent director of the board.

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