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Hershey Names Kevin Walling Senior Vice President, Chief People Officer

^{Published on 2011-05-16 05:05:33 - Market Wire}
 

HERSHEY, Pa.--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) today announced that Kevin Walling has been named Senior Vice President, Chief People Officer, effective June 1, 2011. Walling will serve as the chief architect for Hersheya™s human resources, talent retention, development and recruitment, and total rewards strategies. He will report to David J. West, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Hershey Company.

"I look forward to working with the human resources organization and Hersheya™s Global Strategy Team to further develop our talent and culture and accelerate long-term growth."

aKevina™s leadership and global experience will play a crucial role in helping Hershey deliver on our strategic plan,a West said. aHe brings to Hershey a focus and passion for creating a great place to work through employee development, global growth and a high-performance culture. Kevin has a proven record of helping create an environment that delivers exceptional results for employees, customers and shareholders.a

Walling has 24 years of human resource experience. Most recently, he served as Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer of Kennametal Inc., a global technology and manufacturing company, located in Latrobe, Pa. In this position, he was responsible for human resource strategy and operations in over 60 countries. At Kennametal, Walling was instrumental in building a successful customer-centric, global organization that delivered record financial results. Wallinga™s leadership also drove enhanced organizational performance and global improvements in talent and diversity.

Prior to joining Kennametal, Walling served as Vice President Human Resources - North America for Marconi Corporation plc. Previously, he held the position of Vice President, Human Resources for Acclaim Entertainment, and served in several management positions with PepsiCo.

aIa™m very excited to be joining Hershey, which is known for its great brands and an unmatched commitment to the community,a Kevin said. aI look forward to working with the human resources organization and Hersheya™s Global Strategy Team to further develop our talent and culture and accelerate long-term growth.a

Walling currently serves on the State of Pennsylvania Workforce Invest Board and is an adjunct professor in the business school at Saint Vincent College. He holds a bachelora™s degree in industrial labor relations from LeMoyne College, Syracuse, New York.

About The Hershey Company

The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) is the largest producer of quality chocolate in North America and a global leader in chocolate and sugar confectionery. Headquartered in Hershey, Pa., The Hershey Company has operations throughout the world and more than 13,000 employees. With revenues of more than $5 billion, Hershey offers a wide range of confectionery products, including such iconic brands as Hersheya™s, Reesea™s, Kisses, Hersheya™s Bliss,Special Dark,Hersheya™s Syrup, Kit Kat, Twizzlers,Ice Breakers, PayDay and Jolly Rancher. Hershey also is a leader in the premium and artisan chocolate segments, with such brands as Scharffen Berger and Dagoba, offeredthrough the Artisan Confections Company, a wholly owned subsidiary. The company is focused on growing its presence in key international markets in Asia and Latin America while continuing to build its position in the United States.

Corporate Social Responsibility is an integral part of the companya™s global business strategy, including goals and priorities focused on fair and ethical business dealings, environmental stewardship, fostering a desirable workplace for employees, and positively impacting society and local communities. Milton Hershey School, established in 1909 by the companya™s founder and administered by the Hershey Trust Company, provides quality education, housing, and medical care at no cost to children in social and financial need. Students of Milton Hershey School are direct beneficiaries of The Hershey Companya™s success. Visit us at [ www.hersheys.com ].