The Hershey Company Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

The Hershey Company has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, operations, technology, human resources, and legal transformation.

Driven by a purpose to make more moments of goodness, The Hershey Company is dedicated to delivering iconic brands and fostering success for children globally through its confectionery and snack offerings.

Leadership Roles at The Hershey Company

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Kirk Tanner
  • Chief Financial Officer - Peter James
  • Chief Operating Officer - Paul Smith
  • Chief Technology Officer - William Wilkerson
  • Director, US Confection Strategy and Chief of Staff - Ashton Imlay
  • Board & Legal Transformation Chief of Staff - Kathleen Purcell
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Natalie Rothman
  • Kirk Tanner - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Kirk Tanner, the President & Chief Executive Officer at The Hershey Company, directs the overall corporate strategy and global operations. Tanner oversees the company's mission to deliver goodness through its iconic confectionery and snack brands, ensuring alignment with market demands and consumer preferences. This leadership role involves driving innovation across the extensive brand portfolio, including Hershey's chocolate bars and Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, as well as expanding into new snack categories. Tanner's strategic vision guides the company's commitment to ethical business practices and sustainability initiatives, including forest conservation efforts within its supply chain. By fostering a culture of excellence and accountability, Kirk Tanner ensures the continued growth and market leadership of The Hershey Company, impacting millions of consumers worldwide through delicious and high-quality products.
    Kirk Tanner

    Peter James - Chief Financial Officer

    Peter James, the Chief Financial Officer at The Hershey Company, manages all financial operations and strategic fiscal planning. James oversees the company's financial health, including budgeting, forecasting, and capital allocation, ensuring robust financial performance across its global confectionery and snack businesses. This critical role involves analyzing market trends and economic conditions to inform investment strategies and optimize profitability. James's financial oversight supports the company's purpose of making more moments of goodness by enabling strategic acquisitions and operational efficiencies. By maintaining strong financial discipline and transparent reporting, Peter James drives shareholder value and supports the long-term sustainability of The Hershey Company's extensive brand portfolio, including iconic products like Kit Kat and Cadbury chocolate.

    Paul Smith - Chief Operating Officer

    Paul Smith, the Chief Operating Officer at The Hershey Company, directs the company's global operational execution and supply chain management. Smith oversees manufacturing, logistics, and distribution networks, ensuring the efficient production and delivery of iconic confectionery and snack products to consumers worldwide. This leadership position involves optimizing operational processes to enhance product quality, reduce costs, and maintain supply chain resilience, particularly for brands like Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and SkinnyPop. Paul Smith's focus on operational excellence supports The Hershey Company's commitment to sustainability and ethical business practices by driving efficiency and minimizing environmental impact. By ensuring seamless operations, Smith directly contributes to making more moments of goodness available to consumers across diverse markets.

    William Wilkerson - Chief Technology Officer

    William Wilkerson, the Chief Technology Officer at The Hershey Company, leads the company's technology strategy and digital transformation initiatives. Wilkerson oversees the development and implementation of innovative technological solutions that enhance operational efficiency, improve consumer engagement, and support the company's expanding snack and confectionery businesses. This role involves leveraging data analytics, cloud computing, and cybersecurity measures to protect company assets and drive business growth. William Wilkerson's technological vision supports The Hershey Company's purpose of making more moments of goodness by enabling new product development and optimizing e-commerce platforms. By driving digital innovation, Wilkerson ensures The Hershey Company remains at the forefront of the industry, delivering exceptional experiences for consumers globally.

    Ashton Imlay - Director, US Confection Strategy and Chief of Staff

    Ashton Imlay, the Director, US Confection Strategy and Chief of Staff at The Hershey Company, drives strategic initiatives within the US confectionery market and provides operational support to executive leadership. Imlay focuses on developing and executing strategies that enhance the performance of iconic brands such as Hershey's chocolate bars and Almond Joy, ensuring market competitiveness and consumer relevance. This role involves close collaboration with various departments to align strategic goals with operational execution, facilitating seamless communication and decision-making. Ashton Imlay's efforts are crucial in navigating market dynamics and identifying growth opportunities within the US confectionery sector, directly contributing to The Hershey Company's mission of delivering moments of goodness to consumers across the nation.
    Kathleen Purcell, the Board & Legal Transformation Chief of Staff at The Hershey Company, manages critical initiatives related to corporate governance and legal operations. Purcell supports the Board of Directors and the legal department in driving transformation efforts, ensuring compliance, and enhancing strategic alignment. This position involves facilitating communication between the Board, executive leadership, and legal teams to streamline processes and implement best practices. Kathleen Purcell's work is essential for maintaining the integrity and efficiency of The Hershey Company's governance structure, supporting its commitment to ethical business practices and its overarching purpose of making more moments of goodness. Purcell's strategic support ensures robust legal frameworks underpin the company's global operations.

    Natalie Rothman - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Natalie Rothman, the Chief Human Resources Officer at The Hershey Company, leads the company's human capital strategy and organizational development. Rothman oversees talent acquisition, employee engagement, and culture initiatives, ensuring a high-performing and inclusive workforce that supports the company's mission of making more moments of goodness. This role involves developing programs that foster employee growth, well-being, and alignment with The Hershey Company's values and strategic objectives. Natalie Rothman's leadership in human resources is vital for attracting and retaining the remarkable people who drive the success of iconic brands like Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and Pirate Brands. By cultivating a strong organizational culture, Rothman ensures the company's enduring commitment to helping children succeed remains a core focus.
    Natalie Rothman

    Explore Leadership Teams in Food & Beverage

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding The Hershey Company Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads The Hershey Company?
    The Hershey Company is led by Kirk Tanner (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Peter James (Chief Financial Officer) and Paul Smith (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of The Hershey Company’s executive team?
    The executive team of The Hershey Company includes leaders such as Kirk Tanner (President & Chief Executive Officer), Peter James (Chief Financial Officer), Paul Smith (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does The Hershey Company have?
    The Hershey Company has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in The Hershey Company’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of The Hershey Company includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Technology Officer, Director, US Confection Strategy and Chief of Staff.