HERSHEY, PA. — Patricia A. Little, senior vice-president and chief financial officer of The Hershey Co., has informed the company of her intention to retire in the spring of 2019. She has held her role since joining the company in 2015. Hershey has commenced a search for Ms. Little’s successor.

“Patricia has been a critical leader at Hershey providing counsel and partnership as I took the helm and charted a new vision for the company,” said Michele Buck, president and chief executive officer. “Patricia has been instrumental in helping create a more profitable and sustainable international business model, instilling a more disciplined cost management model across the enterprise, and successfully leading the company’s financial systems implementation, an important piece of our ERP transformation. She will remain a strong partner to me and the business as we plan for her transition.”

Prior to joining Hershey, Ms. Little was executive vice-president and c.f.o. at Kelly Services, Inc., where she led strategic investments and expansion during the recession, identified opportunities in emerging markets and helped execute a joint venture.

“After more than a decade as a c.f.o. for two public companies, I am looking forward to a more relaxed lifestyle,” Ms. Little said. “Hershey is a wonderful company with a great future ahead of it. I will continue to be focused on delivering our 2018 commitments and setting up the business with a strong 2019 plan.”