Hershey Company Appoints Heather Hoytink as U.S. President Effective July 2026

The Hershey Company (HSY) announces the appointment of Heather Hoytink as President, U.S., effective July 8, 2026. Hoytink, a seasoned commercial leader with over 20 years of experience, most recently served as Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer for U.S. Away From Home Beverages at PepsiCo. Her tenure at PepsiCo demonstrates her strong track record in driving growth, enhancing consumer engagement, and fostering partnerships with major national customers. Kirk Tanner, President and CEO of The Hershey Company, expresses enthusiasm for Hoytink’s leadership skills, positioning her as a vital asset in the company’s pursuit of a unified commercial strategy.

Hoytink's Vision for Hershey

As President, U.S., Hoytink will oversee Hershey's commercial initiatives across its diverse snacking portfolio, which includes confectionery, salty snacks, and protein products. She aims to implement a cohesive "ONE Hershey" commercial strategy, focusing on enhancing value for both retail partners and consumers. This strategic approach is designed to integrate various channels, such as away-from-home, omnichannel, and digital platforms, in an effort to propel the company to new heights in a competitive market.

Hoytink is committed to using Hershey’s strong brand heritage and existing partnerships to foster growth and innovation. Her experience in leading transformational initiatives positions her well to adapt the company’s strategies to meet evolving consumer demands and to expand its market presence.

New Product Integration

In June 2026, Hershey launches a new product, the ONE x Reese's Peanut Butter Chocolate Flavored Layered Protein Bar. This innovation aligns with the increasing consumer preference for functional snacking, showcasing a blend of the beloved Reese's flavor with health-centric nutritional benefits, such as 18 grams of protein and only 2 grams of sugar per serving. This strategic diversification into healthier snack options reflects Hershey's commitment to adapting its product lines to attract health-conscious consumers.

Strategic Shift Towards Functional Snacking

The introduction of the Reese’s protein bar not only signifies a response to market trends toward better-for-you snacks but also aims to capture a significant share in the growing protein bar market. This shift aims to bolster Hershey’s portfolio and redefine its market positioning, promising positive implications for both growth and consumer engagement moving forward.