Heather Hoytink Named Hershey U.S. President

The Hershey Company announced that Heather Hoytink has been named President, U.S., effective July 8, 2026. Hoytink brings more than 20 years of sales, operations and commercial leadership experience, most recently as Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, U.S. Away From Home Beverages at PepsiCo….
Hershey Heather

Share this article:

The Hershey Company announced that Heather Hoytink has been named President, U.S., effective July 8, 2026. Hoytink brings more than 20 years of sales, operations and commercial leadership experience, most recently as Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, U.S. Away From Home Beverages at PepsiCo.

In that role, Hoytink led the North America beverage and commercialization agenda across the Away From Home channel, partnering closely with the industry’s largest national customers to drive growth and shape how millions of consumers experience the company’s iconic brands. Prior to that, as President of the South Division, she led a large, diverse region through a period of sustained topline growth and meaningful margin expansion, earning a reputation as a transformational commercial leader known for unlocking growth through strong customer partnerships, disciplined execution and high-performing teams.

Comments from the President and CEO

“We’re thrilled to welcome Heather to Hershey. She’s an outstanding people leader with deep customer relationships, the operating discipline to execute at scale and a track record of growth that will accelerate our U.S. business,” said Kirk Tanner, President and CEO, The Hershey Company. “Her experience leading some of the largest, most complex customer and commercial organizations in the industry makes her exceptionally well-suited to lead our team into the next generation of growth.”

As President, U.S., Hoytink will have end-to-end accountability for Hershey’s U.S. commercial business, leading execution across the company’s full snacking portfolio of confection, salty and protein. She will advance a ONE Hershey commercial model, bringing a unified approach that delivers greater value to retail partners and consumers alike, while driving growth across away-from-home, omnichannel, digital and other emerging channels.

“I’m excited to join Hershey at such a dynamic moment for the business. Hershey’s iconic brands, strong customer partnerships and talented team create an incredible foundation for growth,” said Hoytink. “I’m energized by building winning teams, investing in people and working closely with customers to unlock new opportunities. I look forward to partnering with the team to build on existing momentum, continue delivering for customers and consumers and drive the next chapter of growth together.”

Hoytink holds a degree in marketing and communications from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and has completed executive education programs at the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth and Harvard Business School.

About International Confectionery

International Confectionery is the leading authority in global confectionery content, delivering expert news, in-depth articles, exclusive interviews, and industry insights across print, digital, and event platforms. Published 10 times a year, the magazine is a trusted resource for professionals seeking updates and analysis on the latest developments in the confectionery sector.

To submit an article, or for sponsorship opportunities, please contact our team below.

Joseph Clarke Picture

Joseph Clarke

Senior Editor

Steve Blakebrough Picture

Steve Blakebrough

Sales Manager

Afua Akoto Picture

Afua Akoto

Marketing Manager

Related News

Magna

Infra-Red Heating Improves Chocolate Quality

Heraeus Noblelight’s carbon medium-wave infra-red heating systems are helping Magna Speciality Confectioners achieve more consistent quality in filled chocolate products, while reducing energy consumption and equipment footprint compared with its previous heating arrangements.
Cordillera

Cordillera Expands ATENEA Programme

Community consultations are under way in the cocoa-growing regions Magdalena and Cesar ahead of two new cohorts scheduled to begin in January 2027.
EXBERRY® Aerated Gums

The Power of Plant-Based Colours

GNT will demonstrate how plant-based EXBERRY® colours can deliver vibrant shades while supporting natural ingredient lists at Gulfood Manufacturing 2026 (November 3-5, Dubai).
Pralines

Cargill Introduces Coconera in Europe

Cargill introduces its Coconera cocoa butter equivalent range to Europe, offering confectionery manufacturers greater formulation and supply flexibility.
Scroll to Top