US wholesale baker Interstate Bakeries has named chief executive James R Elsesser as the company’s chairman.

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Elsesser succeeds Charles A Sullivan, who had been chairman of Interstate Bakeries for 12 years. Sullivan is to remain with the company as a member of the board.

The company, which makes Wonder Bread and Twinkies, said shareholders elected Sullivan, along with Leo Benatar and Richard L Metrick to new, three-year board terms, reported Dow Jones News.

Elsesser, who was elected after the shareholders meeting to serve as chairman, reiterated the company’s plan to increase the automation of its production facilities.

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