Hershey Names New Lead Supply Chain Executive

The Hershey Company has appointed Mitchell Arends as Chief Supply Chain Officer. He takes over from Jason Reiman on 22 June 2026.

Jason has worked at Hershey for 30 years. He will stay with the leadership team until April 2027 to support the handover process.

Both executives will work together on supply chain modernisation. Their priorities include integrated planning, accelerated digital capabilities and network optimisation.

Mitchell's appointment could signal Hershey's strategy to strengthen operational efficiency as a driver of business growth.

Building talent for transformation

Mitchell says: "The opportunity to continue building a supply chain for some of the world's most iconic products is an exciting moment in my career. Building a supply chain fit for the future means more than deploying technology or optimising networks. It means developing the talent capable of sustaining that transformation long after any single initiative is complete."

His focus on people development could indicate a long term approach to operational strategy. Talent retention and capability building are factors that may influence sustained performance improvement.

Mitchell will oversee integrated supply chain operations. This includes manufacturing, procurement, logistics and planning functions.

Jason praised Mitchell on his new opportunity with Hershey: "I've always believed that great leadership is a relay. I'm proud to hand this baton to Mitch. He has the vision, the experience and the values to carry this work forward and to uphold what Milton Hershey built."

Track record in CPG

Mitchell brings 25 years of supply chain leadership experience in consumer packaged goods companies. His most recent role was Executive Vice President, Principal Operating Officer and Chief Integrated Supply Chain Officer at UTZ Brands.

At UTZ Brands, Mitchell managed a US$1.5bn portfolio spanning supply chain, research and development (R&D), transformation and direct store delivery operations.

Before UTZ Brands, he served as Chief Supply Chain Officer of North America at Kraft Heinz, overseeing a US$22bn supply chain covering manufacturing, logistics, planning and procurement.

Mitchell also spent six years at Nestlé & Gerber and held five years of supply chain roles at Deere & Company. He started his career at Quality Farm and Fleet in supply chain and merchandising.

Leadership endorsement and succession planning

Kirk Tanner, President and CEO of The Hershey Company, adds: "Mitch is a proven transformational leader with the end-to-end mindset, track record and people-first approach that will continue to drive Hershey's supply chain forward. At the same time, we are deeply grateful to Jason. His 30-year journey from intern to Chief Supply Chain Officer reflects the commitment and character that define this company."

The succession timeline extends over 10 months, allowing for knowledge transfer and continuity in operational execution.

Jason's career trajectory at Hershey began as an intern. His progression to Chief Supply Chain Officer demonstrates internal mobility within the organisation.

Mitchell's external experience combined with Jason's internal expertise may create a transition framework that balances change with stability.

Hershey is working to reduce emissions through its Source, Make, Delight initiative. The approach targets a 50% reduction in absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030, alongside sourcing 100% of electricity from renewable sources.

These commitments could affect procurement decisions and supplier selection. Mitchell's remit includes procurement, which may position him to influence progress on these environmental targets.