This website maintained by

Coin-op Communicator.
Material Copyright © 1995-2004 Coin-op Communicator

CoinopTODAY.com

---

---

The Hershey Company The Hershey Company Names Andrew J. Panayiotou Vice President, Innovation and Strategy, Snacks

HERSHEY, Pa., November 7, 2005 — The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) today announced that Andrew (Drew) J. Panayiotou has been named Vice President, Innovation and Strategy, Snacks, effective November 7. Panayiotou will report to Michele Buck, Senior Vice President, President U.S. Snacks.

Panayiotou will lead Hershey's efforts to identify and develop future growth platforms and fill the new product pipeline. He also will play a leadership role in the international expansion of snacks and will work with the business development group to develop growth plans and strategies. “Drew brings an outstanding record of developing strategies and programs that drive growth and build consumer brands,” Buck said. “He combines an entrepreneurial spirit and creative approach with a deep understanding of brand dynamics. Drew's extensive experience with a wide variety of retail channels and his background in connecting with consumers will be extremely valuable as we continue to develop snacks that generate excitement among consumers and drive profitable growth.”

Panayiotou most recently built an independent marketing consulting practice focused on helping companies strengthen marketing strategies and programs. His clients included Mizuno Global Sports, Sears Roebuck, and Nike. Prior to this, Panayiotou worked at Eastman Kodak, where he led Innovation and New Products Marketing for the entire consumer division. He played a key role in the turnaround of Kodak's camera business and launch of several new products. Panayiotou also worked at Dr. Pepper/Seven Up, Inc., where he helped lead the turnaround of the Canada Dry business. Prior to Dr. Pepper/Seven Up, Drew worked at Johnson & Johnson, where he led brand marketing efforts for ACUVUE contact lenses, playing a critical role in driving growth and establishing ACUVUE as the leading brand within the category.

Panayiotou holds a bachelor's degree from Boston College and an MBA from Duke University.

About The Hershey Company
The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) is a leading snack food company and the largest North American manufacturer of quality chocolate and non-chocolate confectionery products. With revenues of over $4 billion and more than 13,000 employees worldwide, The Hershey Company markets such well-known brands as Hershey's, Reese's, Hershey's Kisses, Kit Kat, Almond Joy, Mounds, Jolly Rancher, Twizzlers, Ice Breakers, and Mauna Loa, as well as innovative new products such as Take 5 and Hershey's Cookies. In addition to its traditional confectionery products, Hershey offers a range of products specifically developed to address the nutritional interests of today's health-conscious consumer. These products include sugar-free Hershey's, Reese's and York candies, as well as Hershey's SmartZone bars for people seeking balanced nutrition. It also markets Hershey's cocoa, Hershey's syrup and other branded baking ingredients, toppings and beverages.

In addition, Artisan Confections Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Hershey Company, markets premium chocolate offerings, including Scharffen Berger, known for its high-cacao dark chocolate products, and Joseph Schmidt, recognized for its fine, handcrafted chocolate gifts. Visit us at www.hersheynewsroom.com.