Flowers Foods Dissolves Chief Growth Officer Position, Expands Brand Officer Duties
Flowers Foods will dissolve its chief growth officer role as Terry Thomas steps down, integrating growth capabilities into its existing business structure. Mark Courtney will report directly to CEO Ryals McMullian and assume retail sales, innovation and revenue management across the Nature’s Own, Dave’s Killer Bread and other key brands.
1. Chief Growth Officer Role Dissolved
Flowers Foods said Terry Thomas will step down and the company will dissolve the chief growth officer position, integrating the growth functions into its existing leadership structure.
2. Integration of Growth Capabilities
Since its creation in 2023 to accelerate innovation and customer insights, the CGO role has established competencies that will now be managed by ongoing business units, aiming to streamline decision-making and reduce overlap.
3. Mark Courtney’s Expanded Responsibilities
Mark Courtney will report directly to CEO Ryals McMullian and take on retail customer sales, innovation development and revenue management across key brands including Nature’s Own, Dave’s Killer Bread and Canyon Bakehouse.
4. Operational Reorganization Overview
These leadership changes complement recent operational moves under President Heeth Varnedoe, including a new chief DSD operations officer and a geographic P&L division structure designed to optimize market execution.