The Hershey Company (Hershey) has announced the scheduling of its 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held virtually on May 6, 2024. The meeting will address the election of 11 director nominees, the ratification of Ernst & Young LLP as independent auditors, advisory votes on executive compensation, and other business matters. Hershey has also detailed its commitment to sustainability, particularly in its cocoa supply chain, and its efforts to reduce packaging waste. The company has faced shareholder proposals urging further action on living wages for cocoa farmers and packaging reuse and recycling. Hershey's Board has recommended voting against these proposals, citing ongoing efforts and strategies that address these issues. The company has also engaged in transactions with Hershey Trust Company and related entities...Show More

The Hershey Company (Hershey) has announced the scheduling of its 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held virtually on May 6, 2024. The meeting will address the election of 11 director nominees, the ratification of Ernst & Young LLP as independent auditors, advisory votes on executive compensation, and other business matters. Hershey has also detailed its commitment to sustainability, particularly in its cocoa supply chain, and its efforts to reduce packaging waste. The company has faced shareholder proposals urging further action on living wages for cocoa farmers and packaging reuse and recycling. Hershey's Board has recommended voting against these proposals, citing ongoing efforts and strategies that address these issues. The company has also engaged in transactions with Hershey Trust Company and related entities, including a stock purchase agreement and ordinary business transactions, which have been approved by independent directors. Hershey's executive compensation includes a mix of base salary, annual incentives, and long-term incentives, with a strong emphasis on performance-based pay. The company's CEO, Michele G. Buck, received a total compensation of $15,654,209 for 2023, with a significant portion tied to the company's performance.