The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) today announced the election to its Board of Directors of Robert Malcolm, former President, Global Marketing, Sales and Innovation at Diageo, plc., effective December 7, 2011.

"We are pleased that Rob is joining the Board. His qualifications are substantial," said James E. Nevels, Chairman of the Board of Directors, The Hershey Company. "His vast experience in marketing, building global consumer brands and delivering innovation will be of immense value to The Hershey Company as we continue to expand in North America and key global growth markets."

Malcolm retired from Diageo plc. in 2008, where he was president of Global Marketing, Sales and Innovation, with responsibility for brand management and marketing in 170 countries. During Malcolm's tenure, Diageo, the world's largest premium alcoholic beverage company, experienced significant growth and was recognized as a leader in marketing and advertising.

Prior to joining Diageo in 1999, Malcolm held a number of positions at Procter and Gamble Company, where he worked with or led more than 70 different brands across all of the company's categories. In his 24 years at Procter and Gamble, Malcolm held a number of leadership positions, including Vice President - General Manager Beverages, Europe, Middle East and Africa; Vice President - General Manager, Arabian Peninsula; and Vice President - General Manager, Personal Cleansing U.S.A.

Malcolm serves on the Board of Directors of the American Marketing Association, the Advisory Board of Just Marketing, Inc. and Effective Brands, and has previously served on the boards of Logitech, the Marketing Sciences Institute and the Ad Council. He teaches in the MBA program at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

Malcolm holds a BS degree and an MBA degree from the University of Southern California.

About The Hershey Company

The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) is the largest producer of quality chocolate in North America and a global leader in chocolate and sugar confectionery. Headquartered in Hershey, Pa., The Hershey Company has operations throughout the world and more than 13,000 employees. With revenues of about $6 billion, Hershey offers a wide range of confectionery products, including such iconic brands as Hershey's, Reese's, Kisses, Hershey's Bliss, Special Dark, Hershey's Syrup, Kit Kat, Twizzlers, Ice Breakers, PayDay and Jolly Rancher. Hershey also is a leader in the premium and artisan chocolate segments, with such brands as Scharffen Berger and Dagoba, offered through the Artisan Confections Company, a wholly owned subsidiary. The company is focused on growing its presence in key international markets in Asia and Latin America while continuing to build its position in the United States and Canada.

For more than 100 years, The Hershey Company has been a leader in making a positive difference in the communities where its employees live, work and do business. Corporate Social Responsibility is an integral part of the company's global business strategy, including goals and priorities focused on fair and ethical business dealings, environmental stewardship, fostering a desirable workplace for employees, and positively impacting society and local communities. Milton Hershey School, established in 1909 by the company's founder and administered by the Hershey Trust Company, provides quality education, housing, and medical care at no cost to children in social and financial need. Students of Milton Hershey School are direct beneficiaries of The Hershey Company's success. Visit us at www.hersheys.com.

The Hershey Company
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Kirk Saville, 717-534-7641
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