WASHINGTON — Herman Cain, a former president and chief executive officer of the Godfather’s Pizza chain, will serve as the leadership speaker at the Allied Trades of the Baking Industry breakfast March 28 during the annual meeting of the American Bakers Association.

Mr. Cain is regarded as a restaurant industry leader, said Robb MacKie, A.B.A. president and chief executive officer.

“Mr. Cain is a top-notch, well respected leader in the food and restaurant industries, whose remarkable story is both an example and an inspiration to the business world,” Mr. MacKie said. “A.B.A. is excited to welcome him to the convention. The A.T.B.I. breakfast has always been a huge draw for convention attendees, who look forward to learning valuable leadership insight to bring back to their companies and employees.”

A Georgia native, Mr. Cain began his career with The Pillsbury Co., which owned the Burger King chain for many years. According to the A.B.A., Mr. Cain worked his way up at the organization from making flipping burgers to managing 400 of the restaurants within nine months. In 1986, Pillsbury named Mr. Cain to lead the struggling Godfather’s Pizza business, where he restored profitability and went on to successfully serve for 10 years.

Mr. Cain served as both the chairman and president and chief executive officer of the National Restaurant Association from 1994-1999. Currently, he is a noted public speaker, regular contributor on Fox Business News, host of his own Atlanta-based talk show, and author.

“Mr. Cain has built a reputation as a leader that individuals, corporations, and communities can emulate,” Mr. MacKie said. “He is a tremendous addition to our program at this year’s convention, and we know that our attendees will both benefit from and genuinely enjoy his remarks,” MacKie continued. "A.B.A. is fortunate and grateful for the support of the A.T.B.I. that allows us to bring leaders of Mr. Cain’s caliber to speak at the A.B.A. Convention.”

The A.B.A. convention will be held March 26-30 at the J.W. Marriott San Antonio Hill Country in San Antonio.