NASHVILLE, TN — Crown Bakeries, a leading manufacturer of croissants, buns, bagels, biscuits, sweet goods and other baked goods products, announced key leadership changes designed to position the company for future success.
Founder Cordia Harrington transitioned from CEO to founder and co-chairperson, providing visionary guidance for the company’s long-term strategic growth initiatives. Yianny Caparos, who previously served as the company’s president, succeeded Harrington. In his new role, Caparos will leverage his deep customer relationships and operational expertise to support Crown’s continued growth. Harrington and Caparos, along with Chief Development Officer George Caparos, are American Society of Baking Hall of Fame members.
“This leadership team has the expertise and vision to continue guiding Crown into an exciting future,” said Yianny Caparos, CEO of Crown Bakeries. “Together, we are focused on navigating this next phase of growth, delivering innovative, superior baked goods that exceed our customers’ expectations and set the standard for excellence in the industry.”
Doug Bame, who joined the company in 2023, transitioned from COO to president. In this position, he will lead the execution of Crown’s growth strategy, leveraging his experience leading operations at Crown and other CPG businesses, including Hormel Foods, Columbus Craft Meats (an Arbor portfolio company from 2012 to 2017), Dreyer’s and General Mills.
“Together, we are focused on navigating this next phase of growth, delivering innovative, superior baked goods that exceed our customers’ expectations and set the standard for excellence in the industry.” — Yianny Caparos | CEO | Crown Bakeries
Additionally, Scott Shelley was promoted from senior VP of operations to COO. He brings extensive experience in baking industry operations management to his new role.
Kandy Grenier, former VP of human resources, was appointed chief people officer and will lead the company’s mission-driven commitment to fostering a supportive and empowering workplace.
“I am proud of how Cordia and Yianny, together, have built not only a world-class bakery but also a world-class team,” said Carl Allegretti, president of Arbor Investments and co-chairperson of Crown Bakeries. “They’ve led impressive organic and inorganic growth over the last five years, and it will be exciting to see this new Crown team take the organization into the future. A baking company with three ASB Hall of Fame members, including Chief Development Officer George Caparos and two-time Arbor portfolio company executive Doug Bame, is an unbeatable combination.”
Crown Bakeries is owned by Arbor Investments, a specialized private equity firm that focuses on acquiring premier companies in food, beverage, and related industries.
