THOMASVILLE, GA — Flowers Foods’ board of directors has elected Ryals McMullian, president and CEO of Flowers, as the next board chair, effective immediately following the 2023 annual shareholders meeting. He will succeed George E. Deese, who will retire from the role and continue serving as a director.
“We are pleased to announce the election of Ryals as chairman of the board of Flowers Foods,” said Benjamin H. Griswold IV, presiding director of Flowers’ board. “His insights and keen business acuity have added tremendous value to the board since he joined in 2019. We look forward to his leadership as Flowers continues to strengthen its competitive position, deliver results and enhance shareholder value during its transformation to a national branded food company.”
McMullian has been with Flowers since 2003. During his time at the company, he’s served in several roles, including COO, chief strategy officer, deputy general counsel, and VP of mergers and acquisitions. He was elected president and CEO of the company in May 2019 and has been a member of the Flowers board since August 2019.
“I am honored to be elected as the upcoming chairman and sincerely thank the entire board for their trust and confidence,” McMullian said. “I would also like to personally thank George for his steadfast guidance and valuable insights. I look forward to continuing to work closely with him and the entire board as chairman.”
Griswold IV, who has served as a director of Flowers since 2005, will retired from the board at the expiration of his current term. He currently serves in several capacities, including presiding director, chair of the nominating/corporate governance committee and member of the compensation and human capital committee.
The board elected Thomas C. Chubb III presiding director and chair of the nominating/corporate governance committee. Chubb, who is the CEO, chairman and president of Oxford Industries, Inc. has served on the Flowers board since 2020.
“The board has been actively engaged in succession planning for many years, and the changes announced today are part of the board’s long-term board refreshment and leadership transition plan,” Deese said. “The board has the utmost confidence in Ryals and Tom, both of whom were unanimously elected to their new positions.”
