George E. Deese, age 71, retired as executive chairman of the board of the company effective December 31, 2014. He continues to serve as non-executive chairman. Mr. Deese served as executive chairman from May 22, 2013, to December 31, 2014. He previously served as chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Flowers Foods from January 2010 to May 22, 2013, as chairman of the board, president and chief executive officer from January 2006 to January 2010 and as president and chief executive officer from January 2004 January 2006. Mr. Deese has served as a director of Flowers Foods since June 2004. Previously, he served as president and chief operating officer of Flowers Foods from May 2002 to January 2004 and as president and chief operating officer of Flowers Bakeries, the company’s core business division, from 1983 to May 2002. Mr. Deese joined the company in 1964. Mr. Deese serves as a trustee of the Georgia Research Alliance and as a member of the Mayo Clinic Florida Leadership Council. Mr. Deese previously served as chairman of the American Bakers Association (ABA) and on the ABA board and executive committee and as a board member of the Grocery Manufacturers of America (GMA). He also previously served as vice chairman of the board for Quality Bakers of America (QBA) and as a member of the QBA board for 15 years. Mr. Deese has gained extensive operational and financial experience as an executive in various capacities during his 50-year career with the company.

Food Processing and Technology