HERSHEY, Pa.
The Board of Directors of Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Company (HE&R) announced the retirement of President and Chief Executive Officer, William F. Simpson, Jr., effective Jan. 5, 2018.
"With more than 20 years of dedicated service to HE&R, Bill's commitment to this company and the greater mission of providing value to the Milton Hershey School will certainly leave a lasting legacy,” said Eric Henry, Chairman of the HE&R Board of Directors. “Bill's leadership will be sorely missed.”
Simpson was elected to the HE&R Board in December of 2011 and became the CEO on Jan. 1, 2013. Under Simpson's guidance, the HE&R experienced record growth and operational results, which resulted in the payment of the largest dividends in the company's history to the Milton Hershey School.
"It has been such a tremendous honor for me to be a part of this remarkable team and outstanding organization, and I am grateful for the support, faith and confidence that the board has placed in me over the years," said Bill Simpson. "I feel especially fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with such a talented group of people, and to work for a company whose core purpose is to help children.”
Consistent with the process that has been established by Simpson and the HE&R Board of Directors, the HE&R has initiated the succession plan procedure for the organization's next Chief Executive Officer. It is anticipated that the search will include both internal and external candidates.
"Having a well thought out, highly effective succession plan for our entire organization has been an important area of emphasis for me during my time with HE&R," continued Simpson. "I look forward to continuing to lead the company and being actively involved in this transition.”
Simpson's career includes over 40 years in the hospitality and service industries, during which he has demonstrated the importance of building outstanding teams and developing people.
Simpson plans to continue to stay active in the Hershey community after his retirement.
"My family and I love being a part of this special community and we look forward to enjoying HE&R's world-class properties, but just as regular guests," said Simpson. “I couldn't envision a better way to conclude my professional career than by working with this group of people to serve our guests, our community and Mr. Hershey's greatest legacy—the Milton Hershey School."
