Hershey Announces New Chief Marketing Officer

HERSHEY, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

The Hershey Company HSY announced today that marketing veteran Peter Horst will join the company as Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer, effective July 27.

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Horst joins Hershey from Capital One Financial Corporation where he served as Senior Vice President, Brand Marketing, and prior to that, Chief Marketing Officer for Capital One Bank.

"Peter is a seasoned marketing leader who has the skills, experience and proven track record to continue to evolve our marketing organization, build our iconic brands and drive global growth for the company," said J.P. Bilbrey, Chairman, President and CEO of The Hershey Company.

Mike Wege, former CMO, has been appointed Senior Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer, and continues as a member of the company's Global Leadership Team. In this role, Wege will continue to lead the company's global organizational agility and growth initiative and other strategic projects for the company.

"Mike is a highly experienced leader, and I appreciate his commitment to help position the company for future growth as we accelerate our business in new markets around the world," added Bilbrey.

Horst is a marketing veteran with more than 25 years of experience at companies including General Mills, Verizon Business Online, Ameritrade and Capital One. As Senior Vice President of Brand Marketing at Capital One, he supported Capital One's diversified businesses in credit cards, branch and Internet banking, home loans, small business and personal lending, auto finance and international markets. His team was responsible for driving integrated marketing, new product development and market research.

Horst holds an M.B.A. in Marketing & General Management from Dartmouth College, Tuck School of Business and a B.A. in History and Literature from Harvard.

About The Hershey Company

The Hershey Company HSY, headquartered in Hershey, Pa., is a global confectionery leader known for bringing goodness to the world through its chocolate, sweets, mints and other great-tasting snacks. Hershey has more than 22,000 employees around the world who work every day to deliver delicious, quality products. The company, which has more than 80 brands around the world that drive over $7.4 billion in annual revenues, includes such iconic brand names as Hershey's, Reese's, Hershey's Kisses, Jolly Rancher, Ice Breakers and Brookside. Hershey is focused on growing its presence in key international markets while continuing to build its competitive advantage in North America. Additionally, Hershey is expanding its portfolio into categories beyond confectionery, finding new ways to bring goodness to people everywhere.

At Hershey, goodness has always been about more than delicious products. For 120 years, Hershey has been committed to good business by operating fairly, ethically and sustainably to make a positive impact on society. This means contributing to a better life for its employees, consumers, communities, and, ultimately, creating a bright future for children in need. This commitment is exemplified by Milton Hershey School, established in 1909 by the company's founder and administered by Hershey Trust Company. The children who attend the school receive education, housing, and medical care — thriving as direct beneficiaries of The Hershey Company's success.

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