Hershey Announces Stacy Taffet as Chief Growth Officer

Rhea-AI Summary

The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) has appointed Stacy Taffet as its new Chief Growth Officer, effective April 14, 2025. Taffet, a seasoned marketing executive with 20 years of leadership experience, will drive growth strategies across Hershey's snacks portfolio, including brands like Hershey's, Reese's, Jolly Rancher, and Dot's Homestyle Pretzels.

Coming from PepsiCo where she served as Senior Vice President of Beverage Portfolio Strategy and Marketing, Taffet brings 15 years of CPG experience managing multi-billion-dollar brands. Her responsibilities at Hershey will include overseeing enterprise strategy, media and creative investments, marketing innovation, R&D, commercial and consumer intelligence, and brand reputation management.

The appointment aligns with Hershey's strategic vision to become a leading snacking powerhouse. Taffet, an MBA graduate from Harvard Business School, has received recognition including Brand Innovators Top 100 Women in Brand Marketing and AdAge Women to Watch.

Positive

• Strategic hire of experienced executive with proven track record in managing multi-billion-dollar brands
• Strengthens leadership team with expertise in brand strategy, innovation, and commercial growth
• Aligns with company's vision to expand as a snacking powerhouse

Negative

• None.

HERSHEY, Pa., March 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) today announced Stacy Taffet as its Chief Growth Officer, effective April 14, 2025. In this role, she will be responsible for driving transformative growth strategies across the company's expanding snacks portfolio, which includes iconic brands like Hershey's, Reese's, Jolly Rancher and Dot's Homestyle Pretzels.

Stacy is a seasoned marketing executive with 20 years of transformative leadership experience, including 15 years in consumer-packaged goods (CPG) and a distinguished PepsiCo career spanning multiple brand portfolios—most recently as Senior Vice President of Beverage Portfolio Strategy and Marketing.

Throughout her tenure, she has consistently driven significant business growth, leading large teams and managing multi-billion-dollar brands across beverages and snacks, including successful marketing transformations for iconic brands like Pepsi and bubly. Her expertise spans brand management, digital marketing, innovation strategy and comprehensive commercial planning, with a proven track record of delivering sustainable growth.

"We are thrilled to welcome Stacy to Hershey's executive team. With deep expertise in brand strategy, innovation and commercial growth, Stacy brings strategic capabilities to accelerate our vision to become a leading snacking powerhouse," said Michele Buck, The Hershey Company President and Chief Executive Officer. "With a proven track record of driving sustainable growth across complex business landscapes, I'm confident that her leadership will help us unlock new growth opportunities, elevate our iconic brands and continue to delight consumers around the world."

Stacy will spearhead Hershey's enterprise strategy and key growth capabilities encompassing media and creative investments, marketing innovation, research and development, commercial and consumer intelligence, and brand reputation management. The appointment continues Hershey's commitment to accelerating growth and strengthening its position in the competitive global snacking market, with a focus on innovative demand creation and strategic brand development.

Recognized nationally with awards such as Brand Innovators Top 100 Women in Brand Marketing and AdAge Women to Watch, Stacy is not only a marketing leader but also an engaged community contributor, serving on boards of non-profit organizations. She received her MBA from Harvard Business School and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Pennsylvania.

"I am deeply honored to join Hershey and help shape its next chapter of growth. Throughout my career, I've admired Hershey not only for its iconic brands that have created meaningful moments for generations, but also for its exceptional talent and profound commitment to community impact," said Taffet. "I'm excited to contribute to this remarkable legacy while working alongside the team to advance our ambitious vision for the future."

About The Hershey Company 
The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) is an industry-leading snacks company with a purpose to make more moments of goodness through its iconic brands. With more than 20,000 remarkable employees worldwide, Hershey delivers delicious, high-quality products across approximately 70 countries, generating over $11.2 billion in annual revenues. The company's portfolio includes beloved chocolate and confectionery brands such as Hershey's, Reese's, Kisses, Kit Kat®, Jolly Rancher, Ice Breakers, Shaq-a-licious alongside popular salty snacks including SkinnyPop and Dot's Homestyle Pretzels.

For more than 130 years, Hershey has been committed to operating responsibly and supporting its people and communities. The candy and snack maker's founder, Milton Hershey, created Milton Hershey School in 1909, and since then, the company has focused on helping children succeed through access to education.

To learn more visit www.thehersheycompany.com.

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SOURCE The Hershey Company

FAQ

When will Stacy Taffet start as Hershey's (HSY) Chief Growth Officer?

Stacy Taffet will begin her role as Hershey's Chief Growth Officer on April 14, 2025.

What will be Stacy Taffet's main responsibilities at Hershey (HSY)?

She will lead enterprise strategy, media investments, marketing innovation, R&D, commercial intelligence, and brand reputation management across Hershey's snacks portfolio.

What is Stacy Taffet's previous experience before joining Hershey (HSY)?

Taffet has 20 years of leadership experience, including 15 years in CPG and serving as Senior Vice President of Beverage Portfolio Strategy and Marketing at PepsiCo.

Which brands will Stacy Taffet oversee in Hershey's (HSY) portfolio?

She will oversee iconic brands including Hershey's, Reese's, Jolly Rancher, and Dot's Homestyle Pretzels.