The new hire has been active within the industry, serving on various NCA committees over the past several years, and was inducted into the NCSA Candy Hall of Fame in 2019.
The expanded leadership team joins the company as it celebrates its 90th anniversary this year and rapidly approaches the opening of its 400th location.
Lorge, an 11-year veteran of the Flowers Foods brand, has helped build it, transforming it from an early-stage startup into a natural cracker, cookie, bar, and baking mix company.
The hire will oversee operational strategy, production standards, marketing, and team development, while helping guide the company into its next century of business.
At the org's request, he has agreed to continue in his role to the end of this year to ensure continuity during a critical delivery phase for the cocoa sector.