Flowers Foods appoints top attorney successor

Thomasville, Georgia-based Flowers Foods has promoted Stephanie Tillman to the position of chief legal counsel, effective January 1.

In her new role, Tillman is responsible for the company’s legal, corporate governance, compliance and governmental affairs. She reports to president and CEO Ryals McMullian. Her promotion follows the retirement of Stephen Avera. The transition was in accordance with the company’s management succession plan.

Tillman joined NYSE-listed Flowers Foods in 1995 as a corporate attorney. Since then, she has managed a variety of legal matters including the development of the company’s compliance program. She has held positions with the company such as vice president and associate general counsel, vice president of compliance and assistant general counsel, and most recently vice president, chief compliance officer and deputy general counsel.

Flowers Foods describes itself as one of the largest US producers of fresh packaged bakery foods. The company’s leading brands include Nature’s Own, Wonder, Dave’s Killer Bread and Tastykake.

‘Throughout her career, Stephanie has consistently provided a thoughtful and valuable perspective on matters concerning our business and our industry,’ says McMullian in a statement. ‘I, along with the board and other members of the management team, look forward to her contributions as she takes on her new role as our chief legal officer.’

Tillman says in the statement: ‘This is an exciting time to take on new responsibilities as Flowers continues to grow and evolve, and I look forward to working closely with Ryals and the entire management team. I would like to express my sincere thanks to Steve Avera for his friendship, advice and guidance as a mentor, and for the many opportunities he afforded me to succeed.’