.png)
.webp)
From 1903 to 1908, Milton S. Hershey, as the founder and owner of Hershey Chocolate Company, established what would become the world's largest chocolate manufacturing plant in the town that now bears his name.
During this period, Hershey focused on perfecting the formula for chocolate bars and building a thriving community around his factory, including homes, parks, schools, public transportation, and infrastructure.
Hershey's philanthropic vision began to take shape with the founding of the Hershey Industrial School for orphaned boys, which he and his wife Catherine established after realizing they could not have children of their own.
During his nearly 40-year tenure as president of Hershey Chocolate Corporation from 1908 to 1947, William F.R. Murrie led the company to significant growth and expansion, introducing iconic products such as Hershey's Milk Chocolate bar, Hershey's Kisses, and Hershey's Milk Chocolate with Almonds bar.
Known for his innovative approach to business, Murrie implemented modern management techniques and recognized the importance of marketing and advertising.
However, his presidency was not without controversy, as the company faced labor disputes in the 1930s, resulting in strikes and criticism of Murrie's handling of the situation.
During his tenure as President of Hershey Chocolate Corporation from 1947 to 1956, Percy Alexander Staples brought his extensive experience in managing Hershey's Cuban interests to the forefront.
Having successfully rebuilt and reorganized Hershey's sugar and public utility properties in Cuba, Staples advocated for the sale of the Cuban holdings in 1944 due to financial concerns, resulting in a 30 million dollar sale to the Cuban Atlantic Sugar Company the following year.
As President, Staples was known for his single-minded approach to challenges, as exemplified by Hershey Chocolate's successful lawsuit against the Annville Stone Company, and his commitment to maintaining and protecting the Hershey Industrial School Trust.
During his tenure as President of Hershey Chocolate Corporation from 1956 to 1965, Samuel F. Hinkle brought his extensive experience and expertise to the role, having previously served as a plant chemist, chief chemist, director of research, and plant manager within the company.
As President, Hinkle played a pivotal role in Hershey's growth and expansion, demonstrating a commitment to innovation and efficiency that solidified his reputation as a valuable asset to the company.
Beyond his professional achievements at Hershey, Hinkle was also recognized for his contributions to the medical community as one of the founders of the College of Medicine at Penn State University, Hershey Medical Center—where he worked to address the rising costs of medical school tuition and its impact on students and the healthcare system.
During his tenure as President and CEO from 1965 to 1976, Harold S. Mohler led Hershey Chocolate Corporation through a period of unprecedented change and dramatic growth, diversifying the company into other food and food-related fields and venturing into the world of advertising.
Mohler's strong technical and people skills, honed during his early years as an industrial engineer and assistant to then-president Samuel Hinkle, proved invaluable as he oversaw significant acquisitions such as H.B. Reese Candy Company and empowered key executives to develop new products, establish marketing research, and modernize sales.
In 1976, Mohler transitioned the day-to-day operations to Bill Dearden and Dick Zimmerman while retaining his position as Chairman of the Board, focusing on larger issues affecting the company, such as establishing a Washington, D.C. office for government relations and creating an outside board of directors to offer professional expertise and objective views.
During his tenure as CEO of Hershey Foods Corporation from 1976 to 1985, William A. Dearden, also known as William E.C. Dearden, brought about significant changes and growth for the company.
Dearden envisioned a different future for Hershey, which had primarily focused on chocolate and caramel products for many years.
Under his leadership, Hershey experienced a renaissance, recapturing its primacy in the American chocolate market.
As a Milton Hershey School graduate, Dearden was also passionate about preserving the town's history and heritage, notably leading the effort to save High Point, a historic building in Hershey, Pennsylvania, from demolition in 1984.
During his tenure as CEO of The Hershey Company from 1984 to 1993, Richard A. Zimmerman led the company back to its position as the market leader in U.S. candy sales, doubling annual sales to over $3.2 billion and achieving double-digit growth.
Zimmerman focused on the company's core brands and mission, selling non-core businesses while pursuing growth through new product development, such as Nuggets, Kisses with Almonds, and Bar None, and acquisitions, including establishing partnerships in international markets.
Beyond his role at the company, Zimmerman was a respected voice within the Hershey community, using his influence to fight against the proposed sale of the company in the early 2000s and speaking out against the demolition of the old Hershey factory in 2012.
During his tenure as CEO of Hershey Foods Corporation from 1994 to 2001, Kenneth L. Wolfe significantly expanded the company's product lines and markets, leading to a dramatic increase in revenues.
Wolfe's management skills and decisive style were instrumental in Hershey's revival and positioning as a major player in the global confectionery market, as he emphasized teamwork and fostered a culture of collaboration and innovation through initiatives such as breakfast meetings with randomly selected employees.
Recognizing the need for Hershey to adapt to changing mass-market tastes, Wolfe revitalized the company by strengthening its core brands, diversifying its product offerings to include less fattening and various other candies, and ensuring the company's continued success in a rapidly evolving market.
During his tenure as Chairman, President, and CEO of The Hershey Company from 2001 to 2007, Richard H. Lenny faced numerous challenges, including a union worker strike, pressure from the Hershey Trust Co. to sell the company, and the need to compete in international markets.
To enhance stockholder value and streamline production, Lenny implemented strategies such as closing several plants and reducing the workforce, despite facing criticism over layoffs.
Upon announcing his retirement in 2007, Lenny emphasized his responsibility to keep the company competitive, and the board initiated a succession process to ensure a smooth transition to new leadership.
During his tenure as CEO, President, and a director of Hershey from 2007 to May 2011, David J. West oversaw a period of strong profits, net sales growth, and shareholder returns, creating approximately $5 billion of equity value for investors.
Under West's leadership, Hershey increased investments in domestic and international operations, improved supply chain and business model effectiveness, and accelerated advertising, brand building, and distribution programs.
Resulting in the company's recognition as one of the World's 100 Most Innovative Companies by Forbes Magazine in 2011.
During his tenure as CEO of The Hershey Company from 2011 to 2017, John P. Bilbrey focused on consumer-driven strategy and investments, enabling Hershey to consistently achieve its financial targets while emphasizing the importance of the company's iconic brands, strong position in North America, and presence in key emerging markets.
Under Bilbrey's leadership, Hershey made significant strides in innovation, sustainability, and social responsibility, improving its supply chain, reducing its environmental impact, and investing in its employees and communities.
After retiring from Hershey in 2017, Bilbrey took on various roles, including Executive Chairman of Olaplex Holdings, Inc., Director of Colgate-Palmolive Co., Tapestry, Inc., and Elanco Animal Health, Inc., and Owner at Bilbrey Farm & Ranch LLC.
Since assuming the role of CEO at The Hershey Company in March 2017, Michele G. Buck has made significant strides in accelerating growth in Hershey's confectionery business, diversifying the company's portfolio, and creating a "snacking powerhouse."
Under her leadership, Hershey has improved its manufacturing, sales, and corporate teams through increased incentives, headcount adjustments, scheduling flexibility, and investments in training and development, fostering a passionate and engaged workforce.
As a strong advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, Buck has focused on bringing in a wider range of talent and perspectives, strengthening development programs for underrepresented talent, and advancing the company's DEI efforts, earning recognition from Forbes as the World's Most Female Friendly Company in 2021.
.png){kind=logo}
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)