Mr. Williams joined Premier in 2011 with strategic marketing oversight of Premier’s entire Grocery portfolio, including bread. He came to the company with a broad range of experience that included leadership positions with McCormick’s international business and the Asia Pacific business of Coca-Cola.
On Nov. 20, Premier announced plans to close two baking plants in 2013 and to simplify the company’s bread distribution network by removing 130 routes. The moves were in response to a strategic review in which the company pledged to “unlock the future value” of the bread business and “address the challenges facing the company.” The company’s baking brands include Hovis and Mr. Kiplings. Annual sales of its bread business are about $1.1 billion.
