Ken Cook was named interim CEO for The Wendy’s Company. He will replace Kirk Tanner, who will stepdown from his role as Wendy’s president and CEO on July 18, 2025, to assume the same role for The Hershey Company.

A former Pepsi Co. executive, Tanner became Wendy’s CEO in January of 2024. “We understand Kirk's decision to return to the consumer-packaged goods industry and wish him well in leading Hershey,” said Art Winkleback, Wendy’s chairman of the board.

Cook also serves as Wendy’s CFO. Prior to Joining Wendy’s, Cook spent 20 years at United Parcel Service, in roles of increasing responsibility, including having most recently served as Head of Financial Planning and Analysis.

Wendy's Board of Directors has launched a comprehensive search process to select a permanent CEO, per a release announcing this transition.