Flowers Foods Names 11-Year Veteran Michelle Lorge President of Simple Mills
Flowers Foods named Michelle Lorge president of Simple Mills, succeeding founder Katlin Smith who shifts to an advisory role. Lorge, an 11-year veteran who built distribution in over 30,000 stores as chief marketing and innovation officer, will report to CEO Ryals McMullian, with her track record expected to drive revenue growth.
1. Leadership Transition at Simple Mills
Flowers Foods announced that Michelle Lorge has been appointed president of Simple Mills, reporting directly to CEO Ryals McMullian. She succeeds founder and outgoing CEO Katlin Smith, who will remain with the brand in an advisory capacity to support the next phase of growth.
2. Lorge's Track Record and Experience
Lorge joined Simple Mills in 2015 as one of its first employees and most recently served as chief marketing, innovation and mission officer. She spearheaded product development, purpose-driven marketing and wellness initiatives, and prior to Simple Mills spent over a decade leading brand marketing and innovation at Kraft Foods.
3. Growth Trajectory Under Founder's Leadership
Under Katlin Smith’s leadership since 2012, Simple Mills grew from startup to a leading natural foods brand with offerings in crackers, cookies, bars and baking mixes. The brand secured placement in more than 30,000 retail locations, including major grocery chains and e-commerce platforms.
4. Implications for Flowers Foods
The appointment reinforces Flowers Foods’ strategy to leverage seasoned leaders within its portfolio of bakery brands. With 2025 net sales of $5.3 billion, the company aims to sustain momentum in its natural and specialty segments by promoting internal talent for key growth roles.