Hershey Ups Michele Buck to EVP, COO

The Hershey Co.has named Michele Buck EVP, COO, effective immediately. Buck, who was previously the company’s president, North America, will continue to report to John P. Bilbrey, board chairman, president and CEO.

In addition to continuing to head day-to-day U.S. and Canadian businesses, which she did in her previous role, Buck will supervise Hershey’s operations in Central and South America. She also will oversee the company’s global supply chain, sales, marketing, innovation, research and development, and consumer and shopper analytics and insights teams.

"Michele has worked closely with me for the past eight years as a partner and collaborator on the global growth strategies we are now pursuing,” Bilbrey said. “She is a seasoned and trusted executive who consistently delivers results. Her combination of industry, retail and consumer knowledge uniquely qualifies her to drive Hershey’s operating priorities. I have tremendous confidence in Michele's ability to build on Hershey’s competitive advantages with leading practices and new technologies and tools that will extend Hershey’s market leadership into the next generation.”

Buck brings more than 25 years of consumer packaged goods experience to this new executive role. In addition to her previous role, she was also Hershey’s SVP, chief growth officer; and SVP, global chief marketing officer. Prior to joining Hershey in 2005, she spent 17 years at Kraft/Nabisco in numerous senior positions and at PepsiCo’s Frito-Lay division.

Buck also serves on the board of directors at New York Life and as a benefit co-chair for the Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation. A central Pennsylvania native, she earned a bachelor’s degree at Shippensburg University and holds a master of business administration degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.