Wendy's President and CEO Kirk Tanner is leaving the company to take over the reins as president and CEO of The Hershey Company effective July 18, 2025. He has served as CEO since Feb. 2024.

The brand's Board of Directors has begun searching for its next CEO, but in the meantime it was appointed Ken Cook, CFO, as interim CEO. Cook will remain CFO but has played a major role in developing Wendy's long-term growth strategy, according to a Wendy's press release.

"I look forward to executing on the strategic priorities we shared at our Investor Day: providing fresh, famous food, delivering an exceptional customer experience, and accelerating global net unit growth," Cook said in the release. "We have a strong team and the right strategy in place to create value for our customers, franchisees, employees and shareholders."

Prior to joining Wendy's, Cook spent 20 years at United Parcel Service, Inc. in roles of increasing responsibility, including having most recently served as head of financial planning and analysis. Prior to that, he served as CFO for the $60 billion U.S. Domestic segment of UPS.

Art Winkleblack, chairman of the board, said the brand's senior leadership team has a clear blueprint for growth. "We are grateful to Ken for accepting the role of interim CEO and have the utmost confidence in him and the senior leadership team to lead the company and to continue to execute on our growth plan," Winkleblack said in the release.

"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," Tanner said in the release. "The brand is of the highest quality in the quick service restaurant industry, and I believe there is tremendous growth potential ahead for all Wendy's stakeholders."

The brand also announced Bradley G. Peltz will replace Matthew H. Peltz, who has resigned from the board.

Wendy's was founded in 1969 and operates more than 7,000 restaurants worldwide.

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