Hershey Announces Patricia A. Little As New Chief Financial Officer

HERSHEY, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Hershey Company (NYSE:HSY), a global leader in confection, announced the appointment of Patricia A. Little as its new Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective March 16.

In her role at Hershey, Little will oversee the company’s global finance organization and be a part of the company’s global leadership team reporting to President and Chief Executive Officer, John P. Bilbrey. She will have responsibility for the financial management, planning and operations for the company’s $7.4 billion enterprise.

“We are very pleased to have Patricia joining our executive team,” said Bilbrey. “Patricia is a talented CFO with outstanding experience in leading both corporate and financial strategy domestically and internationally. She has extensive knowledge of emerging markets and her track record demonstrates an ability to help create value and growth.”

Little brings 30 years of broad financial experience and leadership to her role at Hershey, including tenures at Kelly Services and Ford Motor Company. Currently, Little is Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Kelly Services, Inc., a leader in providing workforce solutions. She serves as a board member and chair of the audit committee of McCormick & Company, Incorporated. Prior to joining Kelly in 2008, she spent 24 years with Ford Motor Company holding leadership roles in both corporate and operational finance.

Little has a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Drake University and a Masters in Business Administration from Carnegie Mellon. She will be relocating to the Hershey area with her husband.

For more information about Hershey, please visit TheHersheyCompany.com.

About The Hershey Company

The Hershey Company (NYSE: 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 poised to expand 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.