Hershey on the Hunt for U.S. Confectionary Leader as Michael Del Pozzo Departs
The Hershey Company is in the process of identifying a new leader for its U.S. confection business. Michael Del Pozzo, who took on the role in September, has announced he is departing the company on December 12.
Del Pozzo is returning to PepsiCo, where he’s spent the majority of his career. Prior to joining Hershey, he was the president and general manager of PepsiCo-owned Gatorade, where he helped develop the $10 billion business into a sports and fitness brand. Throughout his 23-year career, he’s led business transformations with household-name brands such as Gatorade, Propel, Evolve, and Muscle Milk.
Also: Hershey Names CIO
Del Pozzo was initially hired to replace Charles Raup, who spent 15 years at Hershey and left to pursue other executive opportunities.
In the interim, as the company considers both internal and external candidates to fill the role, Hershey's president and CEO Michele Buck will oversee the department.
The sudden departure comes as Mondelez reportedly considers purchasing the company after walking away from a potential $23 billion deal in 2016. The deal could create a snack food giant with combined annual sales of nearly $50 billion.
Hershey recently acquired candy brand Sour Strips as part of its strategy to diversify its confection offerings.
