• by Teresa Buyikian , July 11, 2025

After 18 months, Wendy’s president and CEO is trading in his Frostys for Milky Ways.

Kirk Tanner is leaving the QSR to join The Hershey Company as president and CEO, effective July 18, per a Wendy’s announcement earlier this week.

While the board of directors “has launched a comprehensive search process to select a permanent CEO,” Wendy’s has appointed Chief Financial Officer Ken Cook as interim CEO. Cook will also maintain his CFO position.

Cook joined Wendy’s as CFO in December 2024 after spending 20 years at United Parcel Service, Inc., most recently serving as global head of financial planning and analysis. Earlier he also held the position of chief financial officer for UPS’s U.S. Domestic segment.

Prior to joining Wendy’s in February 2024, Tanner had spent the previous almost 34 years in several roles at PepsiCo, most recently serving as CEO of Pepsi Beverages North America.

"It has been a privilege to lead Wendy's, an iconic brand, and I leave with a sense of gratitude for our employees and franchisees who make the company a truly special place," said Tanner in Wendy’s announcement.