Hershey Appoints Chief Technology Officer to Drive Advancements in Analytics and Automation 2023
Hershey, Pennsylvania, September 19, 2023 – The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) has proudly announced the appointment of Deepak Bhatia as its inaugural Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and the most recent addition to its esteemed Executive Committee. In this pivotal role, Bhatia will take the reins of the company’s global technology strategy, overseeing the design and implementation of cutting-edge digital capabilities characterized by innovation, adaptability, and readiness to cater to the evolving demands of Hershey’s valued consumers, retail partners, and dedicated employees.
With a distinguished background as the former Vice President of Supply Chain Optimization Technologies at Amazon, Bhatia brings a wealth of expertise in pioneering state-of-the-art automated systems, supply chain planning, optimization, simulation, as well as proficiency in artificial intelligence and predictive analytics.
Michele Buck, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Hershey Company, expressed, “We are making strategic investments in our workforce and digital capabilities to reinforce our infrastructure and expand our footprint across our rapidly growing supply chain and business units. As we continue to intensify our commitment in this domain, Deepak possesses the requisite expertise to effectively steer our technology strategy, harnessing end-to-end data, analytics, and automation to enhance our employee experience, drive commercial value, and advance our vision of becoming a leading force in the snacking industry.”
Deepak Bhatia, in his response, shared his enthusiasm, saying, “I am deeply honored and privileged to join Hershey, a company renowned for its rich heritage and culture. We are currently amidst an era of unparalleled technological innovation, and I am excited to lead the charge in the development and execution of a technology-driven transformation that will not only meet but exceed the evolving expectations of our esteemed consumers and customers. I eagerly anticipate shaping a future defined by innovation and excellence.”
During his impressive 12-year tenure at Amazon, specializing in supply chain optimization, Bhatia spearheaded the development of large-scale automated decision-making systems, tackling some of the most complex computational and mathematical challenges within extensive and intricate supply chains, seamlessly amalgamating applied science, software engineering, and product management. Prior to his tenure at Amazon, Bhatia accrued 11 years of valuable experience at Applied Materials, where, in addition to his work in supply chain optimization, he cultivated expertise in predictive business analytics, which played a pivotal role in guiding product management and innovation strategies.
Bhatia holds a Master of Science in Management Science and Engineering from Stanford University and a Master of Science in Aeronautics and Astronautics Engineering from Purdue University. He currently resides in Seattle, Washington, with his wife, Preeti, and their sons, Daksh and Saarthak. Bhatia is set to assume his role at Hershey on October 23, 2023.
About The Hershey Company
Headquartered in Hershey, Pennsylvania, The Hershey Company stands as an industry-leading snacks company recognized for creating countless moments of joy through its iconic brands, exceptional people, and unwavering commitment to ethical practices for its employees, the planet, and communities at large. With a dedicated workforce of nearly 20,000 individuals in the United States and across the globe, the company tirelessly works every day to deliver delectable, high-quality products. The company boasts over 100 brand names distributed across approximately 80 countries worldwide, generating annual revenues exceeding $10.4 billion. This includes beloved brands such as Hershey’s, Reese’s, Kit Kat®, Jolly Rancher, Ice Breakers, and a fast-growing portfolio of salty snacks like Skinny Pop, Pirate’s Booty, and Dot’s Homestyle Pretzels.
For over 125 years, Hershey has been steadfast in its commitment to operating with fairness, ethics, and sustainability at its core. The company’s founder, Milton Hershey, established the Milton Hershey School in 1909, a testament to the company’s enduring dedication to supporting children’s success by ensuring equitable access to education.