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The Hershey Company has appointed Michael Del Pozzo as president of its US confection business, effective September 16 2024.

Del Pozzo brings over 23 years of experience from PepsiCo, where he held various leadership roles that contributed to the growth of major consumer brands.

Most recently, he served as president and general manager of Gatorade, overseeing a $10 billion portfolio and successfully expanding the brand beyond traditional sports drinks into a diverse range of fitness products.

His previous positions at PepsiCo included chief customer officer for Frito Lay North America and other key roles in sales and marketing.

In his new role at Hershey, Del Pozzo will be responsible for managing a portfolio that includes well-known brands such as Hershey's, Reese's and Jolly Rancher.

He will also join Hershey's executive committee, collaborating closely with other business unit leaders to align with the company's strategic objectives.

Michele Buck, chairman and CEO of The Hershey Company, said: "Mike's deep consumer insights, his customer relationships, and his track record of delivering results and driving strategic change position him as the ideal leader to guide our US confection business through its next chapter. He will be instrumental in building on our strengths and advancing our Leading Snacking Powerhouse vision,"

Del Pozzo succeeds Charles (Chuck) Raup, who is retiring after 15 years with the company. Raup's tenure included significant contributions to Hershey's growth and market presence, and he is expected to pursue other executive opportunities.

Buck added: "I want to thank Chuck for his many valuable contributions during his long tenure at Hershey. We wish him the very best in his future endeavours."

The appointment comes at a time when the confectionery market is increasingly focused on innovation and consumer preferences for healthier options. As Hershey aims to solidify its position as a leading snacks powerhouse, Del Pozzo's expertise in brand transformation and market expansion will be crucial.

The Hershey Company operates with over 20,000 employees globally and generates more than $11.2 billion in annual revenues.

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