Flowers Foods, Thomasville, GA, announced several key appointments, in keeping with its management succession plan. Effective immediately, Bradley K. Alexander is executive vice president and chief operating officer of Flowers Foods. Keith Wheeler is president of Flowers Bakeries, the company’s direct-store-delivery (DSD) operating segment. Thomas E. Wilson is senior vice president of Flowers Bakeries' West Coast region.

“These management changes position Flowers Foods for continued growth and are in line with our long-term leadership development strategy and management succession plan,” says Allen L. Shiver, Flowers Foods’ president and CEO. “The operational leaders we’ve announced today and those throughout the company remain focused on building value for our shareholders in the years ahead.”

Alexander began his career with Flowers in 1981 and has held various positions in sales, operations and marketing, including bakery president and vice president of sales and marketing. He was named regional vice president for Flowers Bakeries in 2003 and, in 2008, was promoted to president of Flowers Bakeries, the company’s DSD segment. As executive vice president and COO of Flowers Foods, he is now responsible for company operations, including the DSD and warehouse segments, as well as supply chain, marketing and product innovation.

Former COO Gene D. Lord continues to serve as executive vice president, providing support for operations with a focus on the integration of assets acquired from Old HB Inc. (formerly Hostess Brands).

Wheeler began his career with Flowers in 1988. His experience with the company includes operational, accounting and sales positions, including regional controller, vice president of operations, director of strategic planning, and bakery president. Prior to this appointment, Wheeler served as senior vice president for the company's West Coast region. In his new role, he provides direction for Flowers Bakeries’ six DSD sales regions, which collectively reach 79% of the U.S. population with the company’s fresh breads, buns, rolls and snack cakes.

Wilson joined Flowers Foods in 2008, when the company acquired Holsum Bakery in Arizona. His career in the baking industry began in 1979, and he has held leadership positions in sales and operations, including vice president of sales and marketing, executive vice president and bakery president, the position he held prior to his current appointment. In his new position as senior vice president of Flowers' West Coast region, Wilson takes on responsibilities previously held by Wheeler.