Hershey appoints new international president as CPG sets industry standard

Hershey appoints international president: Key takeaways

• Hershey appoints Amanda Almond international president, effective 12 October 2026
• Almond brings over thirty years’ experience across PepsiCo, Bacardi and Vinarchy
• She succeeds Rohit Grover, who led international operations since 2019
• Appointment strengthens Hershey’s female leadership following Heather Hoytink appointment
• Hershey signals continued focus on international growth and expansion efforts

The Hershey Company has named Amanda Almond international president, effective 12 October 2026.

A British national, Almond’s career spans more than 30 years and includes executive roles at PepsiCo, Bacardi and Vinarchy.

She most recently served as regional managing director for Europe, the Middle East and Africa at Vinarchy, overseeing a business spanning 57 markets.

“Amanda is a proven international leader who knows how to build and scale brands in markets around the world,” said Hershey CEO Kirk Tanner in a statement. “She has a track record of scaling and growing businesses, bringing teams together and building high-performance cultures, and she brings the experience and energy to accelerate our international growth.”

“I’m honored to join the company at such an exciting time for its international business,” said Almond in response.

She succeeds Rohit Grover, who has led Hershey’s international business since 2019. The company has yet to announce his future plans.

“I want to thank Rohit for 27 years of leadership and dedication to Hershey,” said Tanner. “He has helped build our international markets to succeed in our next generation of growth.”

Setting an example

Almond’s appointment reinforces Hershey’s reputation as one of the sector’s most prominent female-led businesses, coming shortly after Heather Hoytink’s appointment as US president.

Unlike many major food and beverage CPGs, Hershey has already broken new ground with Michele Buck as CEO and continues to promote women into some of its most senior leadership positions.

As a result, the multinational stands out in an industry where executive leadership roles have traditionally been, and largely remain, male dominated.

Hershey’s international ambitions

With Almond now set to lead Hershey’s international business, attention will turn to how the company accelerates growth beyond its core North American market.

As one of the world’s largest confectionery manufacturers, its decisions on brand building, innovation and market expansion often reverberate across the wider sector.

And, at a time when global confectionery players are battling changing consumer preferences, economic uncertainty and increasing competition, the company’s next phase of international growth will be closely watched.