Tom Bent

Tom Bent has a vast work experience in the operations and manufacturing management field. Tom started their career in 1988 as the Director of Engineering at Weston Bakeries' Taystee Bakery. Tom then served as the Chief Engineer at Wonder Bread and Hostess Cake from 1990 to 1995 and later at Interstate Brands Corporation's Wonder Bread from 1995 to 1998. Tom then joined Drakes Cakes (IBC) in 1998, where they held various roles including Director of Operations, Plant Operations Manager, and General Manager. In 2004, they became the Divisional General Plant Manager at B&G Foods Polaner Jams & Jellies, Vermont Maid Maple Syrup, Grandmas Molasses, Brer Rabbit, leading environmental control/planning, waste water treatment plant operations, security, contract negotiations/enforcement, safety, production, sanitation, quality control, receiving, engineering, and maintenance. Tom served as the Corporate Director of Operations at Astor Chocolate from 2007 to 2009, and later joined ARYZTA as the General Manager/Bakery Director, responsible for developing a short and long term strategy to bridge the gap between artisan baking and automation. From 2017 to 2018, Tom worked as the Sr. Director of Operations at Tribeca Oven Inc. Tom then served as the Vice President of Operations at Europastry from 2018 to 2020. Tom'scurrent position is the Director of Plant Operations at J&J Snack Foods Corp, starting from March 2020. Tom Bent has a proven record of implementing strategies for growth, driving continuous improvement, and leading teams in the food manufacturing industry.

Tom Bent has a diverse education history. Tom obtained a Certificate of Graduation in Bakery Maintenance Engineering from AIB International in the years 1987 to 1989. Tom later pursued a BS/MA degree in Management at American InterContinental University from 2004 to 2006. In addition to their formal education, Tom has also acquired various certifications, including "Preventing Discrimination & Harassment in Manufacturing/Industrial: US Managers V4.1" from Traliant in March 2023, "FSPCA Preventive Controls for Human Food" from the Food Safety Preventive Controls Alliance (FSPCA) in April 2017, and "Bakery Production Principles Bread and Rolls" from AIB International, Inc in June 1992. Tom also holds certifications in other areas such as programable controls, maintenance management, sanitation through design, refrigeration technology, and electrical troubleshooting, all obtained during the 1980s.