Hershey CEO Michele Buck to Retire Next Year: A Look at Her Legacy and the Company's Future

Michele Buck, the CEO of The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY), has announced her intention to retire on June 30, 2026. Buck, who has led the company since 2017, has been instrumental in driving Hershey's growth and diversification through strategic acquisitions and innovative product offerings. As the company begins the search for its next leader, let's take a look at Buck's legacy and the challenges Hershey faces in the coming years.



During her tenure, Buck has prioritized innovating the company's core brands, such as Reese's and Kit-Kat, while also expanding Hershey's snacking portfolio through strategic acquisitions. Some of the key acquisitions under Buck's leadership include:

* SkinnyPop popcorn in 2017, which expanded Hershey's presence in the salty snack category.
* Pirate Brands' Pirate's Booty Puffs in 2018, further diversifying the company's snack portfolio.
* Dot's Pretzels in 2021, which added another popular salty snack brand to Hershey's lineup.

These acquisitions, along with Buck's focus on innovation and international growth, have contributed to Hershey's financial success. In 2021, Hershey's net sales increased by 11.9% to $8.4 billion, driven in part by the strong performance of its snacking portfolio (Hershey, 2021 Annual Report).

However, Hershey has faced several challenges in recent years, including higher cocoa costs, inflation, and growing demand for weight-loss drugs. These issues have put pressure on the company's business and financial performance. In response to these challenges, Buck has focused on succession planning and ensuring a smooth transition when she retires in 2026.

As Hershey looks to the future, the company will need to continue innovating and expanding its product offerings to stay competitive in the market. The company's snacking portfolio expansion has been a key driver of its growth, and Hershey will need to build on this success to maintain its market position.

Additionally, Hershey will need to address the challenges posed by higher cocoa costs and inflation. The company has already taken steps to mitigate these issues, such as expanding its snacking portfolio and focusing on cost-cutting measures. However, Hershey will need to continue monitoring these challenges and adapting its strategies as needed to ensure long-term success.

In conclusion, Michele Buck's leadership has been instrumental in driving Hershey's growth and diversification. As the company begins the search for its next CEO, Hershey will need to build on the legacy of innovation and expansion that Buck has established. By continuing to focus on innovation, diversification, and succession planning, Hershey can position itself for future growth and success.

Reference(s):
Hershey. (2021). Hershey Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2021 Results. Retrieved from
Hershey. (2025). Hershey Announces CEO Succession Plan. Retrieved from