Debra
Simmers
Global Head, Talent Acquisition
,
The Hershey Company

Debra is Global Head of Talent Acquisition at The Hershey Company where she is responsible for all hiring globally and employment branding.  In her capacity, Debra is driving a transformation of the company’s talent acquisition strategy.  With the introduction of AI-powered technologies and optimizing global hiring processes across multiple countries and talent profiles, Debra is positioning Talent Acquisition as an agile, thought partner that can deliver quality talent at the speed of opportunity.

Prior to Hershey, Debra held senior HR leadership roles at Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene Corporation, and Novartis Pharmaceuticals, where she led large-scale hiring efforts, enterprise-wide change management, and global talent acquisition.  Debra is widely recognized for building high-performing teams and cultivating inclusive, innovative workplace cultures across top-tier pharmaceutical and consumer goods organizations.

She is currently based in Hershey, PA enjoying the Sweetest Place on Earth with her husband and boxer dog, Maverick.  In her free time, Debra enjoys visiting their grown children and fostering boxers while they await their furever homes.