HERSHEY, Pa., Jun 25, 2004 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Richard H. Lenny,
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, today announced a number of
changes to the Hershey Executive Team (HET). These changes, to be effective
on June 28, are designed to ensure that the senior executive team continues to
reflect and align with the Company's strategic priorities.
"We're making solid progress in driving profitable growth and building
shareholder value," said Lenny. "Hershey's Executive Team has shown a
powerful commitment to winning and the team is focused on leading the Company
to the next level. These moves ensure that it reflects and is aligned with
the significant opportunities ahead for Hershey Foods Corporation."
C. Daniel Azzara, Ph.D., is being promoted to Vice President, Global
Research and Development, and will become a member of the HET reporting to
Lenny. "This change reinforces the growing importance that science and
technology will play in developing new growth platforms both within core
confectionery and the broader snack market. As we've accelerated Hershey's
new products/packaging activity over the past few years, R&D has performed
superbly. This move will build upon this momentum in both the US and
international markets in which we compete," noted Lenny.
Raymond Brace, currently Vice President, Operations and Technology, is
being promoted to Senior Vice President, Operations. "Ray and his team are
successfully building Hershey's competitive advantage across the value chain.
Through a combination of improved flexibility and on-going productivity,
Operations is a key enabler to achieving Hershey's long-term objectives," said
Lenny.
Marcella Arline, Senior Vice President, Human Resources and Corporate
Affairs, is being named Senior Vice President, Chief People Officer. "The
change in title reflects the importance that Hershey's great people play in
successfully executing our strategy. Marcella and her group are developing
the organizational capabilities that enable Hershey to both be successful
today and well-positioned for the future," added Lenny.
David West, Senior Vice President, Sales, is being named Senior Vice
President, Chief Customer Officer. "Hershey's selling organization is a core
competency within the company. As a result of the structure put in place
during 2003, we are strengthening Hershey's marketplace leadership. Dave's
new title clearly communicates the broad role that Sales plays in building
Hershey's business with customers across multiple dimensions," said Lenny.
About Hershey Foods Corporation
Hershey Foods Corporation (NYSE: HSY) is a leading snack food company and
the largest North American manufacturer of quality chocolate and non-chocolate
confectionary products, with revenues of over $4 billion and more than 13,000
employees worldwide. The company markets such well-known brands as Hershey's,
Reese's, Hershey's Kisses, Kit Kat, Almond Joy, Mounds, York, Jolly Rancher,
Twizzlers, Ice Breakers and Bubble Yum as well as innovative new products such
as Swoops and Hershey's S'mores. In addition to its traditional confectionery
products, Hershey offers a range of products specifically developed to address
the nutritional interests of today's health-conscious consumer. These
products include sugar-free Hershey's, Reese's and York candies, as well as
Hershey's 1 gram Sugar Carb bars for people living a low-carb lifestyle. It
also markets Hershey's cocoa, Hershey's syrup and other branded baking
ingredients, toppings and beverages. Visit us at
http://www.hersheynewsroom.com.
SOURCE Hershey Foods Corporation
Stephanie Moritz, Hershey Foods Corporation, +1-717-508-3238,
smoritz@hersheys.com
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