Kirk Tanner is moving from Wendy’s to lead Hershey

Kirk Tanner is moving from Wendy’s to lead Hershey — a board decision that’s less about burgers vs. chocolate and more about leadership fit.

At Wendy’s, Tanner moved fast:
— AI-powered drive-thrus and digital menus
— Viral brand partnerships (Takis, Thin Mints Frosty, SpongeBob meals)
— A push to modernize a legacy system

That tells us something: Tanner knows how to energize a brand and operationalize innovation — quickly.

But Hershey is a different challenge.
This isn’t about speed.
It’s about protecting margins, navigating trade uncertainty, and keeping a 130-year-old brand relevant as consumer tastes evolve.

When boards make moves like this, they’re not just filling a seat.
They’re placing a bet — on what kind of leadership they believe will steer the company through the next phase.

At Eagle Talon, we watch CEO transitions closely.
Because when leadership turns over, capital follows — and the signal is rarely random.

We ask:
— What problem is the board trying to solve?
— Where does the executive truly have edge?
— Is this match built to drive returns?

That’s how we assess leadership — and find the operators worth backing.

🔗Read the full article: Wendy's CEO steps down to take top leadership position at Hershey Company after brief tenure