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

Go deeper with GlobalData

Go deeper with GlobalData

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more


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.

Just Food Excellence Awards - Nominations Closed

Nominations are now closed for the Just Food Excellence Awards. A big thanks to all the organisations that entered – your response has been outstanding, showcasing exceptional innovation, leadership, and impact.

Excellence in Action
Winning five categories in the 2025 Just Food Excellence Awards, Centric Software is setting the pace for digital transformation in food and FMCG. Explore how its integrated PLM and PXM suite delivers faster launches, smarter compliance and data-driven growth for complex, multi-channel product portfolios.

Discover the Impact