THOMASVILLE, GA. — Allen L. Shiver, executive vice-president and chief marketing officer of Flowers Foods Inc., has been named president of the company, effective Jan. 1.

In addition to electing Mr. Shiver president, the Flowers board, at a meeting Nov. 20, elected David V. Singer as a director of the company. Mr. Singer is president and chief executive officer of Lance Inc.

Mr. Shiver will succeed George E. Deese. Mr. Deese will continue as chairman and c.e.o.

"Allen is a proven leader and has successfully progressed through dozens of assignments in sales, marketing, bakery management, strategic initiatives, and key management positions," Mr. 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."

In his new role, Mr. Shiver will be responsible for overseeing operations. He also will be more involved in strategic planning and will continue to lead the company’s national sales teams and marketing.

Flowers credited Mr. Shiver, who is 54, with helping develop many of the company’s brands and products.

Mr. Shiver began his Flowers’ career in sales in 1979 after graduating from Georgia Southern University in Statesboro with a bachelor’s degree in business administration/marketing. He began as a route supervisor in Florida and then moved to the company’s corporate marketing department, where he held various brand management positions. Mr. Shiver then served successively as bakery president, regional vice-president, and executive vice-president of operations before he was promoted in 2002 to president and chief operating officer of Flowers’ food service and snack cake operations.

In 2005, Mr. Shiver assumed the additional responsibility of providing direction for the company’s marketing and new product development efforts. He was named executive vice president and chief marketing officer in 2007, taking on the added responsibility for the national sales teams.

A board member of the American Bakers Association, Mr. Shiver serves on the group’s executive committee. He also is a member of the Grocery Manufacturers Association’s President’s Advisory Council and Industry Affairs Council.

The election of Mr. Singer as a director also becomes effective Jan. 1. With the addition of Mr. Singer, the Flowers’ board will expand to 12 from 11.

"We are delighted to welcome Mr. Singer to our board," Mr. Deese said. "His broad business experience with companies that have similar market delivery systems to ours will enhance the composition of our board. We look forward to his contribution as we guide Flowers Foods' development and growth strategy."

Mr. Singer has been president and c.e.o. of Charlotte, N.C.-based Lance since 2005 and a director since 2003. Based on success achieved at the company under his leadership, Lance was named Baker of the Year in 2009 by Milling & Baking News and Baking and Snack magazines.

Before joining Lance, Mr. Singer was executive vice-president and chief financial officer with Coca-Cola Bottling Co.