KANSAS CITY — Robert M. Kissick is changing roles at Hostess Brands, becoming senior vice-president of co-manufacturing as of July 2.

Mr. Kissick most recently was senior vice-president of purchasing at Hostess since September 2007 and earlier was commodity director at the company. He joined Hostess Brands (then known as Interstate Bakeries Corp.) in 1999 as the company’s flour buyer after beginning his career as a cash grain trader at DeBruce Grain, Inc. and ADM Growmark.

“It’s been very rewarding for me, especially the last five years, to be a part of this great company with its wonderful brands,” Mr. Kissick said. “I look forward to now managing our co-manufacturing group as Hostess moves forward and grows more.”

Mr. Kissick has spent the past month transitioning his purchasing-related responsibilities over to Steve Long, who was promoted to vice-president of purchasing in mid-May.

“Our current team in procurement of Steve Long, Chad Bechard, Melissa Munz and Ryan Monley have been incredible to work with,” Mr. Kissick said. “All of them excel at what they do and have been integral in helping the company come back stronger than ever — the procurement group is in good hands.”