THOMASVILLE, GEORGIA, U.S. — Chris Mulford has been named president of Flowers Baking Co. of Thomasville, Georgia, U.S., a subsidiary of Flowers Foods, Inc. He succeeds Mickey Miller, who has retired after 42 years of service with the company.

Mulford began his career with Flowers in 1987. He has held several sales positions with the company, most recently as vice-president of sales for Flowers Baking Co. of Thomasville.

“Chris’ experience and deep knowledge of the bakery business will serve him well in his new role,” said Brad Alexander, executive vice-president and chief operating officer. “I am confident he will do an outstanding job leading our company’s original bakery and guiding its team to much success.”

James Carver has been named vice-president of sales for the Thomasville bakery. Carver began his career with Flowers in 1990 as a route salesperson in Tallahassee, Florida. U.S. He held sales positions in Cordele and Macon, Georgia, U.S., where he was director of sales in 2004. In 2011, he was named director of sales in Tallahassee.

Miller joined Flowers Foods in 1973 as a route salesperson in Georgetown, Georgia, U.S. He held a number of sales positions during his career and was named president of Flowers Baking Co. of Thomasville in 1995. During his tenure as president, the Thomasville bakery expanded its geographic market territory and successfully completed an extensive multi-million dollar expansion.

“Mickey has done a remarkable job in managing, improving, and growing our business,” Alexander said. “Throughout his 42-year career, he has been an exemplary representative of Flowers Foods to employees, customers and the communities he serves. He will be greatly missed.”