Flowers Foods, Inc. announced two executive transitions in the company's manufacturing leadership, effective immediately. Michael A. Beaty, formerly executive vice president of supply chain, will retire in spring of 2015. Until then, he will serve as executive vice president and oversee special projects for the company.

Robert L. Benton, Jr., formerly senior vice president of manufacturing and operations support, has been named senior vice president and chief manufacturing officer. As senior vice president and chief manufacturing officer, Benton oversees all production facilities and associated capital expenditures, leading the company's manufacturing and engineering teams. Benton is responsible for major capital projects, including new bakery start-ups and expansions, which are an area of focus for Flowers Foods. He also oversees regulatory/quality assurance and safety/environmental affairs.