Flowers Foods announced that Terry Thomas, chief growth officer, and the company have agreed that he will step down and his role will be dissolved. The chief growth officer position was created in 2023 to accelerate growth capabilities and build new competencies. With those capabilities now established, the company is integrating them into its ongoing business structure. Thomas will continue in his role as the company completes a transition of his responsibilities to other senior leaders.

"Terry has brought tremendous energy, leadership, and experience to our organization," says Ryals McMullian, chairman and chief executive officer. "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, chief brand officer, will now report directly to McMullian. Courtney, a 43-year company veteran, has served in his role since 2020, with responsibility for managing Flowers' portfolio, including the Nature's Own, Dave's Killer Bread, Canyon Bakehouse, Wonder Bread, Tastykake, and Mrs. Freshley's brands. 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 says. "I have full confidence in his ability to lead our brand and growth efforts as we continue to strengthen Flowers' position in the marketplace."

This new structure complements the recently announced changes within Flowers' operations organization under Heeth Varnedoe, president and chief operating officer, including the appointment of David Roach as chief DSD operations officer and the establishment of a division structure responsible for geographic P&L execution. Together, these moves position Flowers for future growth by pairing a brand led marketing and sales organization with an operational team optimized for execution in market, the company notes.

Flowers Foods is on the current Snack Food & Wholesale Bakery “Top 50 Snack & Bakery Companies” list. Click here to view the current “Top 50” rankings.