The Hershey Co. has announced that Damien Atkins, senior v.p., general counsel and corporate secretary, is resigning due to family illness, effective Jan. 31, 2021. 

In connection with his pending resignation, Atkins will step down from his general counsel and secretary role immediately and will focus on the transition of his responsibilities until his departure. James Turoff, currently v.p., deputy general counsel, will serve as acting general counsel as the company completes its internal and external search process for Atkins' successor.
 
Atkins joined Hershey in 2018, leading Hershey's legal, government relations, corporate security and corporate secretary teams. He and his team helped protect the company during these socially and economically tumultuous times and navigate Hershey's continued expansion into the better-for-you snacking category.  

"Damien has been a true enterprise leader within Hershey, and he will be missed," said Hershey President and CEO Michele Buck. "In addition to his legal expertise, Damien has strengthened the partnership with our commercial operations and been a champion for talent development and inclusion in and outside of the company."