f8k_rhl-retirement.htm
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C.  20549
______________________________

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934

                                  October 1, 2007                                  
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported)

                       The Hershey Company                    
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

                               Delaware                              
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)

                    1-183                    
                   23-0691590                    
(Commission File Number)
(IRS Employer Identification No.)

  100 Crystal A Drive, Hershey, Pennsylvania  17033  
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)  (Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code:  (717) 534-4200

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

[   ]
Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
 
[   ]
 
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
 
[   ]
 
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
 
[   ]
 
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))



INFORMATION TO BE INCLUDED IN REPORT


Item 5.02
Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers

On October 1, 2007, The Hershey Company (“Company”) announced that Richard H. Lenny, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, will retire from the Company on December 31, 2007.  A copy of the Company’s press release announcing Mr. Lenny’s retirement is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and incorporated herein by reference.

Item 9.01
Financial Statements and Exhibits

(d)
Exhibits
  
     
 
99.1
Press Release dated October 1, 2007







SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Date:  October  4, 2007

 
THE HERSHEY COMPANY
 
 
 
 
By:       /s/ Bert Alfonso                       
 
Humberto (Bert) P. Alfonso
Senior Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer








EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No.
Description
   
99.1
The Hershey Company Press Release dated October 1, 2007