THOMASVILLE, GA. — Gary Cartee has been promoted to president of Flowers Foods, Inc.’s Derst Baking Co. in Savannah, Ga. Mr. Cartee succeeds Paul Frankum, who is moving to a position at Flowers Bakeries’ Kansas subsidiary.

In his new role, Mr. Cartee will oversee all aspects of sales and operations. Derst Baking produces and markets fresh bread, buns and snack cakes under the Nature’s Own, Captain John Derst’s Cobblestone Bread Co., Sunbeam, Bunny, and Tastykake brands in central and southeast Georgia and central and coastal South Carolina. Mr. Cartee most recently was vice-president of sales at Derst, and earlier he held the positions of general manager, regional sales manager, director of sales and sales manager. He began his career at Derst as a route sales representative in 1977.

“Gary has been a part of the Derst operation for 38 years and has the strong sales, operational and leadership skills needed to lead the bakery today and in the years ahead,” said Keith Wheeler, president of Flowers Bakeries.

Flowers acquired Derst Baking Co. in 2006.