January 29/Sugar Land, Texas/Business Wire -- Imperial Sugar Company confirmed the appointment of John C. Sheptor as president and chief executive officer and elected him to its board of directors, replacing Robert A. Peiser in each of these capacities. These actions are the culmination of a plan of succession that was announced last November.

Sheptor joined Imperial as executive vice president and chief operating officer in February 2007 and has been responsible for all operations, logistics, sales, marketing, customer service and commodities management areas that support Imperial's evolving go-to-market strategies. Prior to joining Imperial, Sheptor held the position of project director from 2005 to 2007 for the Supply Chain Management System initiative funded under President Bush's Emergency Plan for HIV/AIDS Relief in Washington, DC. Previously, he was executive vice president of Merisant Worldwide Inc., the distributor of Equal from 2001 to 2004, where he led all global operations, including manufacturing, R&D and Information Technologies. Prior to that position, he held general management, supply chain and manufacturing positions for Monsanto Company with a substantial international focus.

Peiser, who was appointed vice chairman, joined Imperial as president and ceo in 2002 and was the architect of its subsequent financial restructuring, its continued balance sheet improvements, the development of an innovative approach to packaging and improved operational performance as well as certain business development efforts. He will continue to assist in strategic projects as well as with industry and governmental affairs.