SAN FRANCISCO — Hershey's president and CEO David West is leaving the chocolate maker to take on the CEO role at Del Monte Foods Co., effective August 15. West will join Del Monte’s board of directors in June.
“I’m honored to join Del Monte at such an exciting time,” said West in a prepared statement. “I have admired Del Monte’s transformation into a multi-billion diversified branded pet and consumer products company. I’m looking forward to working with Del Monte’s management team to continue the company’s tradition of providing high quality products that consumers know and trust, while further accelerating the growth of its well-established portfolio of brands.”
Hershey’s, meanwhile, has appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, John Bilbrey, interim president and CEO.
West will replace Del Monte’s interim-CEO, Neil Harrison, who will remain on the board of directors. Harrison replaced Richard Wolf who stepped down from the CEO role after a takeover by an investor group led by Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. on March 8.
During West’s tenure as Hershey CEO he accelerated growth by increasing investment in its U.S. and international operations, improving the effectiveness of its supply chain and business model, and accelerating its advertising, brand building and distribution programs, according to Del Monte.
