DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - Friday, February 13th 2015 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE) - The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) today announces the appointment of Houssam Chehabeddine as the General Manager for the Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) Division. In this new role, Houssam will report to Steven C. Schiller, Regional President, Hershey AEMEA. Houssam’s will be based in Dubai and his appointment is effective February 1, 2015.

In his new position at Hershey EMEA, Houssam will be responsible for the strategic direction and execution of all aspects of the EMEA business. This includes full P&L, revenue and market share targets, acquisition and growth strategy and assuming the whole range of leadership accountabilities in managing the diverse team, as well as all our product brands and portfolio expansion in the EMEA region.

“Houssam has over 18 years’ experience in various leadership positions with a proven track record in General Management role.” said Steven C. Schiller, “I am confident that Houssam will help accelerate our growth in the EMEA region as we continue to build on The Hershey Company’s 120 year legacy of confectionery leadership. We have an experienced management team, great talent throughout the organization and the right vision, strategy and brands to win where we compete,” adds Mr. Schiller.

Chehabeddine joins Hershey from Mars Inc. where he was most recently Regional Director for the "Extended Levant" markets. As General Management position, he was responsible for developing the long-term vision and leading markets’ strategies for Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, Iran, Pakistan, Yemen, Cyprus and Malta. Prior to that, he was with Bel Group, a multinational cheese marketer centered in France, where he held a General Manager role in several locations such as Levant, Saudi Arabia, and Syria including factory responsibility. He also had Sales and Trade Marketing experience at P&G International both in Morocco and Syria.

Houssam holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Marketing from Lebanese American University. He will relocate to Dubai from Beirut, Lebanon with his wife and three children.

About The Hershey Company

The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY), headquartered in Hershey, Pa., is a global confectionery leader known for bringing goodness to the world through its chocolate, sweets, mints and other great-tasting snacks. Hershey has approximately 13,000 employees around the world who work every day to deliver delicious, quality products. The company, which has more than 80 brands around the world that drive over $7.1 billion in annual revenues includes iconic names such as Hershey's, Reese's, Hershey's Kisses, Jolly Rancher, Ice Breakers and Brookside. The company is focused on growing its presence in key international markets while continuing to build its competitive advantage in North America. Additionally, Hershey is poised to expand its portfolio into categories beyond confectionery, finding new ways to bring goodness to people everywhere.

At Hershey, goodness has always been about more than delicious products. For 120 years, Hershey has been committed to operating fairly, ethically and sustainably to make a positive impact on society. This means contributing to a better life for its employees, consumers, communities, and, ultimately, creating a bright future for children in need. This commitment is exemplified by the Milton Hershey School, established in 1909 by the company's founder and administered by The Hershey Trust Company. The children who attend the school receive education, housing, and medical care at no cost — thriving as direct beneficiaries of The Hershey Company's success.

Contacts

For The Hershey Company

Katie Taylor

E: Katie.taylor@zenogroup.com

O: +44(0)20 3047 2380

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