"Allen is a proven leader and has successfully progressed through dozens of assignments in sales, marketing, bakery management, strategic initiatives, and key management positions," Deese said. "Allen will join me in leading the team to further enhance the operating strategies that will continue to create shareholder value over the long term."

During his career with the company, Shiver, 54, has helped develop many of Flowers' brands and products. He joined Flowers in 1979 after graduating from Georgia Southern University in Statesboro with a bachelor's degree in business administration/marketing. Starting in sales, he began as a route supervisor in Florida and then moved to Flowers' corporate marketing department, where he held various brand management positions. Shiver served successively as bakery president, regional vice president, and executive vice president of operations. In 2002, he was promoted to president and chief operating officer of Flowers' foodservice and snack cake operations. In 2005, he took on the additional responsibility of providing direction for the company's marketing and new product development efforts. In 2007, Shiver was named executive vice president and chief marketing officer and took on the added responsibility for the national sales teams.

Shiver is an American Bakers Association (ABA) board member and serves on the ABA's executive committee. He also serves on the Grocery Manufacturers Association's President's Advisory Council and Industry Affairs Council.

From the December 7, 2009, Prepared Foods E-dition