The Hershey Company has announced a significant leadership appointment with Stacy Taffet stepping into the role of Chief Growth Officer beginning April 14, 2025. Taffet, who brings an impressive 20-year marketing career that includes 15 years in consumer-packaged goods, will report directly to President and CEO Michele Buck. This strategic appointment underscores Hershey’s commitment to strengthening their position in the global snacking market through innovative growth strategies. Taffet’s proven track record and industry recognition make her an ideal candidate to help shape the future of Hershey’s iconic brands and portfolio expansion.
A Strategic Leadership Addition
The appointment of Stacy Taffet represents a calculated move by The Hershey Company to enhance its leadership team with fresh perspectives. Taking effect on April 14, 2025, this transition arrives at a crucial time for the company as it positions itself for strategic growth. Taffet will work directly under the guidance of Michele Buck, who has been instrumental in steering Hershey’s vision to become a dominant force in the snacking industry.
Buck’s enthusiasm for this appointment was clear in her statement: “We are thrilled to welcome Stacy to Hershey’s executive team. With deep expertise in brand strategy, innovation and commercial growth, Stacy brings strategic capabilities to accelerate our vision to become a leading snacking powerhouse.” This sentiment highlights the significance of Taffet’s role in the company’s future trajectory.
The Chief Growth Officer position encompasses responsibility for driving expansion strategies across Hershey’s extensive snack portfolio. This role is particularly vital as the company faces both challenges and opportunities in an increasingly competitive global snacking marketplace. With her proven track record of success, Taffet is positioned to make significant contributions to Hershey’s ongoing evolution as a snacking leader.
Taffet’s Impressive Career Journey
Stacy Taffet brings an exceptional professional background to her new role at Hershey. Her 20 years of marketing leadership experience includes an impressive 15-year tenure in the consumer-packaged goods sector. Most recently, she served as Senior VP of Beverage Portfolio Strategy and Marketing at PepsiCo, where she demonstrated her ability to drive brand growth and innovate in competitive markets.
Her academic credentials are equally notable, with an MBA from Harvard Business School and a BA from the University of Pennsylvania. These prestigious educational qualifications have provided a solid foundation for her remarkable career trajectory. Before her time in the CPG industry, Taffet spent four years at American Express, where she held various marketing roles that helped shape her comprehensive understanding of consumer behavior and brand development.
The industry has repeatedly recognized Taffet’s talents and contributions. She was named one of AdAge’s 2019 Women to Watch, earned a spot on Campaign US’s 40 Over 40 in 2020, and was included in Brand Innovators Top 100 Women in Brand Marketing. These accolades reflect her innovative approach to marketing and leadership, qualities that will undoubtedly benefit Hershey as they navigate future growth opportunities.
Expanding Responsibilities and Strategic Vision
In her role as Chief Growth Officer, Taffet will oversee a broad spectrum of critical functions that directly impact Hershey’s market position and financial performance. Her responsibilities include managing enterprise strategy, media and creative investments, marketing innovation, and research and development. Additionally, she’ll be overseeing commercial and consumer insights and brand reputation management—all essential components of Hershey’s growth strategy.
Taffet will be directly responsible for some of America’s most beloved brands, including Hershey’s, Reese’s, Jolly Rancher, and Dot’s Homestyle Pretzels. These iconic products generate billions in annual revenue and have deep emotional connections with consumers across generations. Her challenge will be to maintain their traditional appeal while finding innovative ways to grow market share and attract new customers.
This comes at a time when the chocolate industry faces unique challenges, including supply chain pressures and changing consumer preferences. The ongoing global cocoa shortage has forced many chocolate manufacturers to adapt their strategies, making Taffet’s role in navigating these challenges even more significant. Her expertise in strategy development will be crucial for positioning Hershey competitively in this dynamic environment.
Hershey’s Market Position and Growth Aspirations
The Hershey Company stands as a dominant force in the confectionery market, with a portfolio that extends well beyond its namesake chocolate bars. Recent industry reports indicate record sales across the U.S. confectionery sector, creating a favorable backdrop for Taffet’s entry into this leadership role. The company’s expansion into the broader snacking category represents a strategic pivot toward diversification and growth.
Hershey’s vision centers on accelerating growth in the global snacking market through innovative demand creation and strategic brand development. This approach aligns perfectly with Taffet’s background in beverage portfolio strategy at PepsiCo, where she demonstrated proficiency in managing diverse product lines. The company’s ambition to become a “leading snacking powerhouse” signals its intention to compete more aggressively beyond traditional confectionery categories.
Consumer preferences continue to evolve, with increasing demand for healthier and more sustainable options. The rise of health-conscious snacking trends presents both challenges and opportunities for traditional confectionery companies like Hershey. Taffet’s experience in navigating shifting consumer landscapes will be valuable as Hershey balances its heritage products with innovations that address these emerging preferences.
I’ve watched the competitive landscape for snack brands transform dramatically in recent years. Companies must now consider not only direct competitors but also alternative snacking options that compete for consumer attention and dollars. Taffet’s appointment suggests Hershey recognizes the need for fresh strategic thinking to maintain relevance in this expanded competitive environment.
Community Impact and Corporate Legacy
Taffet’s statement upon accepting the position reflects her appreciation for Hershey’s legacy beyond just its commercial success: “I am deeply honored to join Hershey and help shape its next chapter of growth. Throughout my career, I’ve admired Hershey not only for its iconic brands that have created meaningful moments for generations but also for its exceptional talent and community impact.” This sentiment suggests she values the company’s broader contributions to society and aims to continue this tradition.
The Hershey Company has long maintained a reputation for corporate social responsibility, dating back to founder Milton Hershey’s philanthropic vision. Their commitment to sustainability, ethical sourcing, and community development programs has set standards within the industry. Taffet’s acknowledgment of this legacy indicates that she plans to honor these values while pursuing growth objectives.
As food companies face increasing scrutiny regarding their environmental and social impacts, Taffet’s leadership approach will likely incorporate these considerations into growth strategies. Consumers increasingly make purchasing decisions based on corporate values and practices, making reputation management—one of Taffet’s key responsibilities—particularly important. Her background suggests she’s well-equipped to guide Hershey through these complex considerations while maintaining focus on business growth.
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Looking Ahead: The Future Under Taffet’s Leadership
As Stacy Taffet prepares to take the helm as Chief Growth Officer, industry observers will be watching for early indicators of her strategic direction. Initial priorities likely include assessing current brand positioning, evaluating the innovation pipeline, and identifying new growth opportunities across Hershey’s portfolio. Her background suggests she may bring fresh perspectives on digital marketing, consumer engagement, and product innovation.
The timing of this appointment coincides with significant shifts in consumer behavior and market dynamics. Post-pandemic shopping patterns, inflationary pressures, and changing dietary preferences all create a complex landscape for food manufacturers. Taffet’s experience navigating similar challenges at PepsiCo positions her well to guide Hershey through this period of market transformation.
Collaboration will be key to Taffet’s success in this new role. Working effectively with Michele Buck and other executive team members will enable her to implement growth strategies that align with Hershey’s overall vision. Her ability to build relationships with internal stakeholders, retail partners, and the investment community will be crucial factors in achieving the ambitious goals set for her position.
The appointment of Stacy Taffet represents much more than a personnel change—it signals Hershey’s commitment to innovation and strategic growth in an evolving marketplace. With her impressive credentials and proven track record, Taffet brings valuable expertise to help shape Hershey’s future as a global snacking leader. As she prepares to begin this new chapter on April 14, 2025, the industry will be watching with great interest to see how her leadership influences one of America’s most iconic food companies.