Buck will take over from the incumbent CEO John P. Bilbrey next month.
Ex-Unilever appointment
She has recruited Todd Tillemans from Unilever as president of Hershey’s US business.
Tillemans will join Hershey on April 3, having spent 23 years at Unilever where he most recently served as president, customer development US.
North America accounted for around 86% of Hershey’s 2016 sales. The company posted 1% revenue growth in North America compared to the previous year.
Asia chief’s role expands
Steven Schiller, currently Hershey’s president of China and Asia, will become president, international.
He adds the Americas region, India and Europe, Middle-East, and Africa to his remit.
Hershey previously set a target for 20% of its revenues to come from outside the US and Canada by 2017. International sales accounted for around 16% of Hershey business in 2012 and made up 14% in 2016.
Technology shakeup
Hershey’s current chief knowledge and technology officer, Waheed Zaman, will retire from the company on March 31.
Terry O'Day, Hershey’s chief supply chain office will become senior vice president, chief product supply and technology officer and take over responsibilities from Zaman.
The company plans to name an external candidate as its chief growth officer, who it says is expected to join in the spring.
The following people kept their positions in the executive team:
- Patricia Little, senior vice president and chief financial officer
- Leslie Turner, senior vice president, general counsel and secretary
- Kevin Walling, senior vice president and chief human resources officer
- Mike Wege, senior vice president and chief administrative officer