NEW YORK (AP) -- Hershey CEO David West is leaving the candy maker to take a job another company.
Chief Operating Officer John Bilbrey was named interim president and CEO Wednesday.
West, 47, has been on Hershey's board since October 2007, and he became president and CEO in December 2007. Bilbrey, who became COO in November, has been with Hershey since 2003.
He has worked for Mission Foods, and at Group Danone's North American water business as well.
Shares of Hershey Co., based in Hershey, Pa., slipped 2 percent, or $1.13 to $55.95 in early trading.