Hershey announces C-suite promotions

Chris Scalia, Vice President, Global HR, is taking over the CHRO position

BY Nurhuda Syed 19 Dec. 2019

The Hershey Company yesterday (18 December) announced their new executive leadership team for 2020.

“Today’s announced leadership changes further support our growth trajectory and reflect the confidence I have in our talent development process,” said Michele Buck, Chairman, President and CEO at Hershey.

Majority of the changes will be effective January 1, 2020.

One leader getting promoted is Chris Scalia, currently Vice President, Global HR. He will take over the CHRO role from Kevin Walling, who is leaving the company to join a Fortune 200 company early next year.

Scalia has operated in senior executive roles leading all aspects of Hershey’s people and culture agenda including talent planning and development, data and analytics, and operational effectiveness.

Scalia brings a strong business acumen and passion for how talent and culture drive performance.

He joined the company in 2005 in the legal department with an expertise in labour relations and transitioned to HR in 2011.

“As we look toward future growth, we will continue to evolve as we take the business to the next level,” Buck said.

“We have a strong, talented and proven leadership team in place to hit the ground running and are confident in our 2020 plans. These appointments reaffirm our commitment to developing world-class talent within our organisation.”

Other members of the new executive leadership team include:

Chuck Raup, President, US – Currently Vice President, US CMG, Raup has been promoted to President, US. He has served in increasing roles of responsibility throughout his 10-year service with the company, most recently leading the turnaround of the core US business.
Kristen Riggs, Chief Growth Officer – Currently Vice President, Innovation and Strategic Growth Platforms, Riggs has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Chief Growth Officer. The 15-year Hershey veteran will lead their consumer intelligence and strategy capabilities, strategic growth platforms, marketing excellence functions, innovation, research and development, and The Hershey Experience.
Hector de la Barreda, President, Amplify – De la Barreda will continue to lead the company’s Amplify snacking business, an important strategic growth priority, and will now report directly to Buck.
Steve Voskuil, CFO – On top of his financial portfolio, effective March 31, Voskuil will take over the Chief Technology and Data Officer position from Terry O’Day, who is retiring.

Continuing in their executive leadership roles, reporting to Michele Buck are: