Flowers Foods, Inc. (NYSE: FLO), producer of Nature's Own, Dave's Killer Bread, Wonder, Tastykake, and other bakery foods, has announced that its board of directors has elected Flowers Foods president and CEO Ryals McMullian as a director. The election is effective immediately and brings the number of board members to nine.

"We are pleased to welcome Ryals to the board," said George E. Deese, non-executive chairman of the board. "He's been leading efforts across the company to grow in new areas, optimize processes, and strengthen our competitive position, and brings solid legal and M&A experience to the board. We look forward to his contributions."

Commenting on the election, Benjamin H. Griswold, IV, presiding director of Flowers' board, said: "Ryals is committed to delivering results and enhancing shareholder value for Flowers Foods. We know his insights and contributions will add tremendous value to the board during the company's evolution to a national branded food company."

McMullian has served as president and CEO following his election to the position in May 2019. Since 2016, he has directed Flowers Foods' transformation under Project Centennial, serving as chief strategy officer and then chief operating officer. Prior to that, he served as deputy general counsel and vice president of mergers and acquisitions. He joined the company in 2003.