A new chief legal officer blooms at Flowers Food, maker of Tastykake

Thomasville, Georgia-based Flowers Foods Inc. announced that, as of January 1, Stephanie Tillman assumed the role of chief legal counsel, following the retirement of Stephen Avera. The company announced Avera’s retirement and Tillman’s job in May 2019 and was part of the company’s management succession plan. As chief legal counsel, Tillman is responsible for the $4 billion in revenue companhy’s legal, corporate governance, compliance, and governmental affairs, and reports to Ryals McMullian, president and chief executive officer.

Since joining the company’s legal group in 1995 as a corporate attorney, Tillman has managed a broad range of legal matters, including the development of a comprehensive compliance program for the company. She has held a number of positions with the company, including vice president and associate general counsel; vice president of compliance and assistant general counsel; and, most recently, vice president, chief compliance officer and deputy general counsel.

“Throughout her career, Stephanie has consistently provided a thoughtful and valuable perspective on matters concerning our business and our industry,” noted McMullian. “I, along with the board and other members of the management team, look forward to her contributions as she takes on her new role as our chief legal officer.”