Flowers Foods' Chief Supply Chain Officer Tom Winters Announces Retirement After Four Years

Retirement Announcement of Tom Winters

Flowers Foods, Inc. has made a significant announcement regarding its leadership. Tom Winters, the company’s Chief Supply Chain Officer, will retire effective April 17, 2026. After four years of dedicated service, Winters has played a vital role in enhancing the efficiency and stability of the organization’s supply chain.

Since joining the Flowers Foods leadership team in 2022, Winters has been instrumental in developing a more agile supply chain network that has contributed to the company’s overall growth. He has gained respect and admiration from his colleagues and peers in the industry, marking a legacy of innovation and operational excellence during his tenure.

Heeth Varnedoe, President and Chief Operating Officer of Flowers Foods, expressed gratitude for Winters' contributions, mentioning, “The exceptional leadership and expertise Tom has imparted to Flowers over the last four years will have a lasting impact on our organization.” This statement emphasizes Winters’ influence not only within the company but across the broader industry.

Prior to joining Flowers, Winters held notable positions at PepsiCo and Procter & Gamble, where he was a driving force behind several efficiency initiatives. His last role at PepsiCo was as Senior Vice President of Supply Chain for its North American Beverages and Nutrition divisions. At PepsiCo, he was celebrated for his strategies that promoted both operational stability and the potential for substantial business growth.

As Flowers Foods begins the search for his successor, the company is focused on ensuring continued effectiveness in its supply chain operations. Under Winters' guidance, Flowers Foods has earned its place as one of the largest producers of packaged bakery products in the United States, with reported net sales reaching $5.3 billion in 2025.

Founded in Thomasville, Georgia, Flowers Foods operates bakeries across the nation, offering a variety of well-known brands, including Nature's Own, Dave's Killer Bread, and Tastykake, among others. The company prides itself on its commitment to quality and innovation in the bakery sector.

As Winters approaches his farewell on April 17, his colleagues and the broader industry reflect on the impact of his leadership and the transformations he has brought to the company. His retirement marks the end of an era, but his legacy will undoubtedly continue to influence Flowers Foods and the supply chain industry for years to come.

In conclusion, while the company prepares for a transition in leadership, the contributions of Tom Winters will be remembered as a significant chapter in the ongoing story of Flowers Foods. The search for a new Chief Supply Chain Officer is already underway, as the company aims to build on the strong foundation that Winters has established.