THOMASVILLE, GA — Flowers Foods, parent company to brands including Canyon Bakehouse, Wonder and Tastykake, announced that, effective April 17, Tom Winters, chief supply chain officer and a member of the leadership team since 2022, will retire from the company.
“The exceptional leadership and expertise Tom has imparted to Flowers over the last four years will have a lasting impact on our organization,” said Heeth Varnedoe, president and COO of Flowers Foods. “Tom has not only been integral in forging a stronger, more agile supply chain for Flowers, but he is also revered across the industry by his peers and team members alike. We are deeply grateful to Tom for his service and wish him the very best in his retirement.”
Flowers is currently conducting a search for Winters’ successor. Additionally, the baking company also announced that chief growth officer Terry Thomas will step down and the role will be dissolved.
The chief growth officer position was created in 2023 to accelerate growth capabilities and build new competencies. With these goals now completed, Flowers Foods is integrating the newly established capabilities into its ongoing business structure. Thomas will remain in this role as the baking company completes the transition of his responsibilities to other senior leaders.
“Terry has brought tremendous energy, leadership, and experience to our organization,” said Ryals McMullian, chair and CEO of Flowers Foods. “Under his leadership, the role of chief growth officer has fulfilled its purpose, advancing growth for our leading brand portfolio through an expanded innovation pipeline, strengthened customer relationships, and new category and revenue management insights and capabilities. We appreciate Terry’s contributions and wish him continued success.”
With the role’s dissolution, Mark Courtney, Flowers chief brand officer, will now report directly to McMullian. Courtney is a 43-year company veteran and has served in his role since 2020, responsible for managing Flowers’ portfolio of brands, including Dave’s Killer Bread and Nature’s Own. In addition to brand strategy, he will assume responsibility for retail customer sales, innovation and revenue management.
“Mark is a deeply experienced, long‑tenured and highly respected member of our leadership team,” McMullian said. “I have full confidence in his ability to lead our brand and growth efforts as we continue to strengthen Flowers’ position in the marketplace.”
