George E. Deese

George E. Deese, age 73, served as executive chairman of the board of directors of the company from May 22, 2013, until he retired Dec. 31, 2014. He continues to serve as non-executive chairman. Mr. Deese was chief executive officer of Flowers Foods from January 2004 until May 2013. Mr. Deese has served as a director of Flowers Foods since June 2004 and chairman of the board of directors since Jan. 1, 2006. 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. He previously served as a board member of the Grocery Manufacturers of America (GMA), and previously served as a trustee of the Georgia Research Alliance. Mr. Deese previously served as chairman of the American Bakers Association (ABA) and on the ABA board and executive committee. He 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.