Hershey is bringing in PepsiCo executive Heather Hoytink to lead the confectionery and salty snack group’s US division.
Hoytink will take up her role as president of the Reese’s chocolate and SkinnyPop popcorn maker's US business on 8 July. She was most recently senior vice president and chief commercial officer for PepsiCo’s US business in out-of-home beverages.
Andrew Archambault previously occupied the role but left in May to join US drinks firm Nutrabolt as president and COO.
Another former PepsiCo executive, Kirk Tanner, helms Hershey as its president and CEO. He joined the business in August last year from the fast-food chain Wendy’s having spent more than 30 years at PepsiCo.
Tanner said in a statement that Hoytink has “operating discipline to execute at scale and a track record of growth that will accelerate our US business”.
He added: “Her experience leading some of the largest most complex customer and commercial organisations in the industry, makes her exceptionally well-suited to lead our team into the next generation of growth."
Earlier this year, Tanner had initiated a change in how Hershey markets its range of products across snacks and confectionery in the US, along with appointments to support its new commercial structure.
In her new role, Hoytink is assigned to promote a “one Hershey commercial model” across retail and foodservice, along with “omnichannel, digital and other emerging channels”.
Hoytink said Hershey has an “incredible foundation for growth”, adding: “I'm energised by building winning teams, investing in people and working closely with customers to unlock new opportunities. I look forward to partnering with the team to build on existing momentum, continue delivering for customers and consumers and drive the next chapter of growth together."
In April, Hershey maintained its financial forecasts for fiscal 2026 as it reported first-quarter results.
Net sales are expected to rise 4-5%, including a 150 basis-point gain from its acquisition of LesserEvil, the US better-for-you snacks maker it sealed the deal for last year. Organic net sales are forecast to increase by 2.5% to 3.5%.
Reported earnings per share are projected to climb 79% to 89% and adjusted earnings per share to be 30% to 35% better than last year.
