Cordia Harrington, the founder of Crown Bakeries, transitioned from her role as CEO to Founder and Co-Chairperson. Yianny Caparos, formerly President, was appointed as CEO. Doug Bame, previously COO, is now President, leading the execution of Crown’s strategy.
Additionally, Scott Shelley has been promoted from Senior Vice President of Operations to COO, bringing his extensive experience in baking industry operations management to his new role.
“This leadership team has the expertise and vision to continue guiding Crown into an exciting future,” said Yianny Caparos, Chief Executive Officer. “Together, we are focused on navigating this next phase of growth, delivering innovative, superior baked goods that exceed our customers’ expectations and set the standard for excellence in the industry.”
“I am proud of how Cordia and Yianny, together, have built not only a world-class bakery, but also a world-class team. They’ve led impressive organic and inorganic growth over the last five years and it will be exciting to see this new Crown team take the organization into the future,” said Carl Allegretti, President of Arbor Investments and Co-Chairperson of Crown Bakeries. “A baking company with three A.S.B. Hall of Fame members (including Chief Development Officer, George Caparos) and two-time Arbor portfolio company executive, Doug Bame, is an unbeatable combination!”
Crown Bakeries is owned by Arbor Investments, a specialized private equity firm that focuses on acquiring premier companies in food, beverage, and related industries.
Crown has several development projects underway, including facility renovations and production line investments – to soon be announced.
With over USD 100 million in revenues (Forbes), Crown Bakeries was founded in 1996 by Cordia Harrington in Nashville, Tennessee. The company, named one of the 2024 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For® by the National Association for Business Resources, makes fresh and frozen croissants, buns, bagels, biscuits, sweet goods, and dough products for foodservice, food manufacturing, and retail customers in the US.
Crown has nine baking facilities, where over seven million items are made daily with a team of over 1,800 people.
Photo: Crown Bakeries social media