Kansas City, Mo.-based bakery giant Interstate Bakeries Corp (IBC) has named James R. Elsesser as its new CEO, effective 1 October.

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In an announcement made yesterday [Thursday], IBC explained that Elsesser served as CFO of Nestlé’s Ralston Purina subsidiary for 16 years. He joined the IBC board in 1995, immediately after taking a major role in the negotiations for the sale of Continental Baking Co. to IBC in 1995.


Elsesser is replacing Charles A. Sullivan, who is retiring from the role of CEO but who will remain on the IBC board as its chairman.

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