Natalie Rothman Appointed as CHRO of The Hershey Company
The Hershey Company, a global leader in confections and snacks, has announced the appointment of Natalie Rothman as its new Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), effective August 18, 2025. Known for its iconic brands like Hershey’s, Kisses, Reese’s, and Kit Kat, the company is gearing up for strategic growth initiatives, and Rothman’s arrival signals a renewed focus on talent development and organizational culture.
Kirk Tanner, the CEO of The Hershey Company, expressed high confidence in Rothman’s capabilities. “Her proven track record of transforming HR functions at major organizations, combined with her deep expertise in developing talent and inspiring thriving cultures, makes her the ideal leader to advance our people strategy,” said Tanner. “Natalie’s experience preparing companies for significant growth milestones will be invaluable as we continue to expand our global footprint.”
A Diverse and Accomplished Career Journey
Rothman brings with her a wealth of experience from a variety of leadership roles in human resources, legal, and advisory capacities. She began her professional journey as a senior consultant at Gundersen Partners, where she laid the groundwork for her future HR leadership roles. She then joined The Estée Lauder Companies in 2001 as Director of Staffing and Human Resources, based in New York City, where she served until 2003.
Her career took a legal turn when she joined Brown Raysman Millstein Felder as an employment law associate, where she worked for three years. In 2006, she transitioned to PepsiCo, serving initially as Senior Human Resources Manager for corporate functions. Her responsibilities expanded over time, and she rose through the ranks to become Director of HR for Pepsi Cola North America and eventually Senior Director of HR for Global Foodservice by 2012.
Leadership Roles Across Major Organizations
Rothman’s leadership extended beyond PepsiCo. In 2016, she joined Advance Auto Parts as Executive Vice President and CHRO. Over seven years, she drove significant HR transformation across the organization and was later appointed to the Advance Foundation Board. She also took on advisory roles at SilverBox Capital and served as Chief People Officer at Inspire Brands from May 2023 to May 2025.
Her influence in the HR world was further recognized through her board memberships. She has served as a non-executive board member at The Woodruff Arts Centre and currently chairs the Compensation Committee and sits on the Nominating and Governance Committee at Udemy. Additionally, she is an advisory board member at Emory University’s Goizueta Business School and is on the board of Pearce Services. Since May 2025, she has also been an advisor to New Mountain Capital.
Rothman’s Vision for Hershey’s People Strategy
Accepting her new role at The Hershey Company, Rothman expressed enthusiasm about contributing to the company’s growth and culture. “I am looking forward to helping build an even stronger culture where our amazing team can thrive,” she said. Her appointment comes at a pivotal time as the company intensifies its focus on global expansion and workforce development.
With over 70 snack brands under its umbrella, Hershey is known not just for its products but also for fostering a culture of excellence and innovation. Rothman’s addition to the executive team is expected to further enhance Hershey’s employee engagement, talent acquisition, and leadership development strategies.
Strategic HR Leadership in a Dynamic Industry
Rothman’s extensive background in both HR and legal functions allows her to bring a unique, multifaceted approach to human capital management. Her influence is expected to align seamlessly with Hershey’s strategic goals, especially as the company navigates the complexities of a rapidly evolving global market.
Her insights into board governance and compensation strategies, coupled with her academic advisory roles, indicate a deep commitment to continuous learning and organizational excellence. This makes her an ideal fit for Hershey as it continues to invest in its workforce and culture.
With the upcoming transition set for August 2025, Rothman is poised to make a significant impact within the organization. Her arrival marks not just a new chapter for Hershey’s HR department but also underscores the company’s commitment to building a resilient, forward-thinking workplace culture.
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