D. Keith Wheeler, Flowers Foods’ Chief Sales Officer, has recently announced his retirement. The long-time industry veteran will be stepping down August 31, 2023.
Wheeler will retire from the company after 35 years of service. He joined Flowers Foods in 1988 and was named to his current role in 2017. Previously, he served as President of Flowers Bakeries, Senior Vice President of the company’s West Coast region, regional controller, and bakery president.
In these roles, he led numerous large-scale projects important to the company’s growth, including integrating several bakery and brand acquisitions and expanding distribution networks in key markets.
As noted in the release, Wheeler will be stepping down from his current role on August 31, and will serve until his retirement as a senior advisor to Ryals McMullian, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and President of Flowers, effective December 31, 2023.
“I’d like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Keith for his years of exemplary service to our company,” said McMullian. “His unique combination of leadership, communication, and collaboration—together with an in-depth understanding of our business—has had a tremendous impact on our company's success. Flowers Foods and the teams Keith has led throughout his career have benefitted greatly from his extensive experience, industry knowledge, and friendship. We wish him the very best in his retirement.”
Cheers to a well-deserved retirement!
