Hershey Will Appoint New International President
The leadership change at the confectioner aims to accelerate growth efforts in markets beyond North America.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in People
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Effective October 12, 2026, Hershey will appoint Amanda Almond as the company's new international president. This executive transition marks a push to expand the brand's footprint outside of its core North American market.
Why it matters
The hire reflects Hershey's strategic pivot toward accelerating international growth and reducing its historical reliance on the North American market. Executives often bring in external talent to overhaul distribution and consumer engagement strategies in new regions.
The transition replaces a 27-year company veteran with an executive possessing 30 years of industry experience across global markets. The move signals a transition in operational oversight as the company looks to scale beyond its North American stronghold.
The players
Hershey
A multinational manufacturer of chocolate and confectionery products with a dominant market share in North America.
Amanda Almond
An experienced executive with a three-decade career across PepsiCo, Bacardi, and Vinarchy.
Rohit Grover
A long-tenured leader who managed the company's international business segment for seven years.
Vinarchy
An international business entity where Almond previously oversaw operations across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
The details
The board tapped Amanda Almond to lead international operations, tasking her with scaling the firm's global presence. Almond transitions from a prior role as regional managing director at Vinarchy, where she managed operations across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. She succeeds Rohit Grover, who served as international president since 2019.
Timeline
Rohit Grover began leading international operations in 2019.
Amanda Almond assumes the role of international president on October 12, 2026.
Market Landscape
This leadership shift follows the company's established growth strategy to diversify revenue streams away from its historical North American dependence. It mirrors a broader trend among major consumer goods firms seeking to capture market share in developing international regions.
Operators should monitor whether this leadership change leads to adjustments in distribution partnerships or pricing strategies in overseas markets. Assessing a new leader's track record is essential for vendors and partners looking to align with potential shifts in regional priorities.
The takeaway
Large-scale organizational change at the top often signals a shift in focus for secondary markets and channel management. Monitor the new president's first 90 days to determine if the firm will pursue organic growth or M&A-driven expansion in the EMEA regions.
Further reading
For more on executive shifts and leadership strategy, see People.
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