The Hershey Company appoints Natalie Rothman as chief human resources officer

USA – The Hershey Company has announced the appointment of Natalie Rothman as its new Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), effective August 18, 2025.

Rothman will lead Hershey’s global HR function and report directly to President and CEO Kirk Tanner, marking a strategic move to strengthen the company’s people-first approach amid global expansion efforts.

Rothman brings over 25 years of experience in human resources leadership, having previously served as CHRO at Inspire Brands and Advance Auto Parts.

At Inspire Brands, she spearheaded modernisation initiatives using AI and business process automation to streamline HR operations.

Her tenure at Advance Auto Parts was marked by transformative efforts to drive cultural change and build organisational capabilities through tech-enabled solutions.

“We are excited to welcome Natalie to Hershey,” said Tanner.

“Her proven track record of transforming HR functions at major organisations, combined with her deep expertise in developing talent and inspiring thriving cultures, makes her the ideal leader to advance our people strategy. Natalie’s experience preparing companies for significant growth milestones will be invaluable as we continue to expand our global footprint and strengthen our position as a leading snacking company.”

Rothman’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for Hershey, which continues to expand its footprint in the global snacking industry.

With more than 20,000 employees worldwide and a portfolio of over 90 brands, including Hershey’s, Reese’s, Kit Kat, and SkinnyPop, the company is focused on building a high-performance culture that supports innovation and operational excellence.

Beyond her corporate roles, Rothman is a member of the New York and New Jersey Bar and serves on the boards of Udemy, Pearce Services, and advisory boards at Emory Goizueta Business School and New Mountain Capital.

Her broad experience across consumer products, retail, food service, automotive, and beauty sectors positions her to navigate Hershey’s diverse workforce and evolving HR needs.

This leadership change signals Hershey’s commitment to modernising its employee experience and aligning talent strategy with long-term business goals.

As Rothman steps into her new role, industry watchers will be keen to see how her influence shapes Hershey’s culture and supports its continued growth in a competitive global market.

In March 2025, The Hershey Company announced the appointment of Stacy Taffet as its Chief Growth Officer, effective April 14, 2025.

 Sign up to HERE receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.