Flowers Foods Unveils Exec Promotions

Flowers Foods has promoted three top executives in an effort to position the bakery foods company for "continued growth" and support its "long-term leadership development strategy and management succession plan," according to President/CEO Allen L. Shiver.

Bradley K. Alexander has been named executive VP and COO, a role formerly held by Gene D. Lord, who will continue to serve as an EVP.  Alexander holds responsibility for the company's operations, including DSD and warehouse segments, as well as supply chain, marketing and product innovation.

Having joined Flowers in 1981, Alexander held various positions throughout the company, including bakery president and VP of sales and marketing. He was named regional VP for Flowers Bakeries in 2003, and president in 2008.

D. Keith Wheeler has been appointed president of Flowers Bakeries, replacing Alexander. Wheeler will provide direction for the segment's six DSD sales regions. Wheeler, who most recently served as SVP for the company's West Coast region, has held positions including regional controller, VP of operations, director of strategic planning, and bakery president.

Thomas E. Wilson takes on the role of SVP of Flowers' West Coast region, replacing Wheeler. Wilson joined Flowers in 2008 when the company acquired Holsum Bakery in Arizona.  He has held positions including VP of sales and marketing, executive VP and most recently bakery president.

Thomasville, Ga.-based Flowers Foods is one of the largest producers of fresh packaged bakery foods in the United States with 2013 sales of $3.75 billion. Among the company's brands are Nature's Own, Wonder and Tastykake.