BAYPORT, N.Y. — Doug Degn, retired executive vice-president of food, consumables and hardlines merchandising at Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., and Scott Humphrey, former president and chief executive officer of Best Brands, have been named to the board of directors of Wenner Bread Products Inc., a manufacturer of nearly 400 varieties of bread and rolls for 20,000 U.S. bakeries.
“Doug and Scott bring a wealth of retail and industry experience to the Wenner Board, and I’m excited that they will be working closely with me and the management team as we pursue new growth opportunities,” said Jeff Montie, chief executive officer of Wenner Bread Products. “Their insights and experiences will be invaluable as our team continues to build on the company’s great heritage.”
Mr. Degn started his Wal-Mart career as a pharmacist in 1983 in Lawrence, Kas., after obtaining his pharmacy degree at the University of Kansas. He held numerous management positions at Wal-Mart during his 24 years with the company and retired in 2007 as executive vice-president and as a member of the Wal-Mart Executive Committee. In 1997, he was chosen by the Walton Family to receive the Sam M. Walton Entrepreneur of the Year award, the highest recognition given by the company.
Mr. Humphrey oversaw implementation of the growth strategy at Best Brands that was fueled by both organic expansion, and successful acquisitions and integration. He previously was a vice-president at Borden Foods and Kraft Foods.
Mr. Degn and Mr. Humphrey will join industry veteran William R. Voss, who joined Wenner’s board of directors in July 2011. Mr. Voss previously was president and c.e.o. of Health Valley Foods. Prior to that, Mr. Voss was president and chief operating officer of Pilgrim’s Pride Corp. and president and c.e.o. of McCain Foods. He is chairman of Nash Finch Co., a Fortune 500 food distributor, and also is a director on several other boards.