Edward J. Kelly Resigns From Hershey Board of Directors

Mr. Kelly was recently named President of Citi Alternative Investments. Prior to this position, Mr. Kelly was Managing Director of The Carlyle Group.

The Hershey Company announced that Edward J. Kelly, III has resigned from the Board of Directors, effective Friday, February 22, 2008, due to increased demands related to the recent change in his professional occupation.

Mr. Kelly was recently named President of Citi Alternative Investments. Prior to this position, Mr. Kelly was Managing Director of The Carlyle Group. Before joining Carlyle, Mr. Kelly was Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mercantile Bankshares Corporation.

The Hershey Company is the largest North American manufacturer of quality chocolate and sugar confectionery products. With revenues of nearly $5 billion and almost 13,000 employees worldwide, The Hershey Company markets such iconic brands as Hershey's, Reese's, Hershey's Kisses, Kit Kat, Twizzlers and Ice Breakers. Hershey is the leader in the fast-growing dark and premium chocolate segment, with such brands as Hershey's Bliss, Hershey's Special Dark, Hershey's Extra Dark and Cacao Reserve by Hershey's.