NASHVILLE, TN – Crown Bakeries (“Crown”), a leading manufacturer of croissants, buns, bagels, biscuits, sweet goods, and other baked goods products, is pleased to announce key leadership transitions designed to further position Crown for long-term success in the baking industry.
Founder Cordia Harrington has transitioned from her role as Chief Executive Officer to Founder and Co-Chairperson, continuing to provide visionary guidance for the company’s long-term strategic growth initiatives.
Succeeding her, Yianny Caparos, formerly President, has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer. In this role, Caparos will leverage his deep customer relationships and operational expertise to support Crown’s continued growth.
Both Harrington and Caparos are American Society of Baking (A.S.B.) Hall of Fame members.
Doug Bame, previously Chief Operating Officer, has assumed the role of President, where he will lead the execution of Crown’s growth strategy, leveraging his deep experience leading operations at Crown (since early 2023) and other large CPG businesses, including Hormel Foods, Columbus Craft Meats (an Arbor portfolio company from 2012 to 2017), Dreyer’s and General Mills.
Additionally, Scott Shelley has been promoted from Senior Vice President of Operations to Chief Operating Officer, bringing his extensive experience in baking industry operations management to his new role.
Lastly, Kandy Grenier, formerly Vice President of Human Resources, has been appointed as Chief People Officer, reflecting the company’s mission-driven commitment to fostering a supportive and empowering workplace.
“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 continues to lead the way in innovation, quality, and outstanding customer service while expanding the company’s footprint in the baking industry. With transformational projects already underway, including facility renovations and production line investments to soon be announced, Crown is positioned for a dynamic future. Customers can “expect the royal treatment” as Crown Bakeries strengthens its capabilities to deliver exceptional products and services across the food industry.
