THOMASVILLE, GA — Flowers Foods announced that Robert L. Benton Jr., executive VP of network optimization, will retire on July 14 after 43 years of service.
“On behalf of the entire Flowers team, I wish to express my deep appreciation to Robert for his years of service,” said Ryals McMullian, CEO, president and chair of Flowers Foods. “Robert is one of the most knowledgeable and capable engineers in the baking industry. In his career at Flowers, he oversaw the design and construction of 10 new bakeries, while redesigning and updating countless others to better serve our customers and adapt to changing consumer markets. Few people in the history of our company have made such a lasting, positive impact on our growth and prosperity. We wish him the very best in his retirement.”
Prior to his appointment to this role in 2019, Benton served as chief supply chain officer. Throughout his career, he worked on manufacturing and distribution productivity and efficiency, capital projects, regulatory and quality assurance, and safety and environmental affairs. Benton, who joined Flowers in 1980, held several roles in the company over the years including senior VP and chief manufacturing officer, senior VP of manufacturing and operations support, and VP of manufacturing. He also held local and regional manufacturing positions within the company.
Benton also held leadership roles in the American Institute of Baking, BEMA and the American Society of Baking, where he was a past chair.
