US bakery business BakeMark has appointed Gary Schmidt as president and CEO of the business, effective immediately.

He replaces Jim Parker, who will assume the role of executive chairman of California-based BakeMark, as well as chairman of the company’s board of directors

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Prior to joining BakeMark, Schmidt held various leadership roles, most recently as COO of KanPak, a desserts and beverages business owned by Golden State Foods. 

He has also previously held an executive position at agri-food giant Cargill.

Schmidt said: “BakeMark has a great track record, great branding and a bright future ahead. I’m looking forward to elevating our partnership with customers and suppliers, while strengthening our capabilities.” 

Parker said: “It has been a great honour to lead BakeMark as president and CEO and to be part of BakeMark’s growth story. I am very confident that Gary will propel BakeMark to new heights, while supporting the customers, suppliers and all stakeholders in the bakery trade.” 

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This news follows BakeMark’s acquisitions last year of the Best Brands and Multifoods brands, in addition to the acquisition of two manufacturing plants in the US – part of its expansion strategy under the ownership, since last July, of Pamplona Capital Management.

BakeMark is a manufacturer and distributor of bakery ingredients, products and supplies. It is the exclusive distributor of brands including Westco, BakeSense, Best Brands, Multifoods, BakeQwik, Trigal Dorado, C’est Vivant and Sprinkelina. 

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