Hershey has named former Mondelez International executive Mary Beth West its new chief growth officer.
West, who was most recently chief marketing officer for US retailer J.C. Penney, worked for Kraft Foods for 26 years before becoming Mondelez’s top marketer when it was formed in 2012. Her time at Kraft included stints as president of both its North American beverage and grocery businesses.
West left Mondelez in 2014, joining J.C. Penney as the retailer’s chief customer and marketing officer a year later.
At Hershey, West will “oversee the company’s growth strategy”, the Reese’s maker said, including innovation, research and development and M&A. She will report to Hershey’s recently-installed CEO Michele Buck.
“Mary Beth will be a great addition to our executive team,” said Buck. “She is an accomplished business leader who is considered one of the best food executives and marketers in the industry. Her deep experience in growing some of the world’s best-known consumer brands and demonstrated ability to transform consumer engagement will be a tremendous asset to Hershey as we chart our growth agenda,” Buck said.
West will become Hershey’s first chief growth officer since 2015 after Buck – who once held the position – decided to revive the role upon coming CEO.
