John P. Bilbrey is a proven leader and champion of innovation throughout his tenure as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of The Hershey Company, a leading global confectionery manufacturer. In his six-year tenure as CEO, he transformed Hershey’s culture, instilling a strong focus on innovation and customer engagement. He also modernized and reshaped the business model in a dynamic, consumer-driven and increasingly competitive marketplace.
It all began when Bilbrey took the reins at Hershey in October 2011. The company had seen its overall industry ranking slip from its former number one spot, and consumer demand for traditional chocolate items remained stalled in an ever-evolving candy market. As CEO of the 117-year-old chocolate giant, he saw an opportunity to not only revive Hershey’s historical place of prestige as a leader in the confectionery industry, but also to propel the company forward and set it on a path towards sustained growth.
In order to achieve his vision of growing and revitalizing the company, Bilbrey made it his mission to promote innovation and a customer-first mentality. From the launch of Hershey’s first ever research and development center in Cambridge, Massachusetts back in 2012, to the introduction of several new products across the chocolate and snack spectrum, he drove growth through strategic investments and aggressive marketing. He also aimed to make the company’s products more accessible to a wide range of consumers by investing heavily in Hershey’s extensive global manufacturing infrastructure. He realized that a focus on product innovation was essential to both competing in today’s increasingly diverse candy market, as well as staying ahead of the curve and emerging as a leader within the industry.
Since taking over, Bilbrey has also been a champion for Hershey in terms of corporate engagement and environmental sustainability efforts. For example, he introduced Caring for the Community programs, which highlighted the company’s commitment to the environment, sustainability, and community building. He also spearheaded the Partners in Caring initiative, a multi-year campaign that brought communities together in partnership with The Hershey Company to support local schools and organizations in need. He also served as the Chairman of the National Confectioners Association, which represents the interests of confectionery and snack manufacturers across the United States.
Bilbrey stepped down as CEO in September 2017, but not before he had achieved an impressive level of success in his time at Hershey. During his tenure, the company’s total net sales increased by more than 8%, while operating profits increased by over 32%. He also managed to expand Hershey’s international growth platform and his commitment to product innovation led to the development of over 50 new products. And perhaps most significantly, under his leadership, Hershey returned to its spot as the number one confectionery manufacturer in the United States.
Through his innovative leadership and commitment to consumer engagement, John P. Bilbrey promoted sustained growth and transition of The Hershey Company from an iconic brand, to a consumer driven, global giant. His achievements during his tenure were impressive and his work will continue to shape and influence the future of the chocolate and candy industries for years to come.
