Kirk Tanner, who spearheaded Wendy’s most recent product partnerships and marketing innovations, will step down as the burger chain’s president and CEO to take over as Hershey’s next CEO. Tanner will take Michele Buck’s place as president and CEO of the Pennsylvania-based chocolate company,

Wendy's CEO Kirk Tanner has been named the new chief executive of The Hershey Company. Tanner will replace Michele Buck, who is retiring after almost 20 years at Hershey, including almost eight as CEO. Tanner's move to Hershey marks his return to the consumer packaged goods space.

Amid Wendy's grappling with muted sales, CEO Kirk Tanner has decided to leave the company to join chocolate giant Hershey.