King Arthur Flour announces a transition in leadership via the following letter from the company’s employee-owners:
King Arthur Flour’s success over three centuries comes from sticking to the things that matter – our core values – while embracing an ongoing commitment to change. Today is one of those key moments of change.
After 15 years as CEO, shepherding King Arthur Flour from a small family-owned business, to a very successful 100% employee-owned ESOP and Benefit Corporation, Steve Voigt has decided to resign effective June 30, 2014 to pursue his passion for advancing ESOP, B-Corp and Benefit Corporation causes in other companies and business schools. King Arthur Flour’s four senior leaders will fill Steve’s role and will unite as the Leadership Team to lead the company in its next phase of growth.
Experience and continuity are at the heart of the selection of Michael Bittel, Ralph Carlton, Karen Colberg, and Suzanne McDowell to lead the company. Our Board of Directors felt that individually and collectively this team is committed to the company’s vision to build community through baking and to the core values of passion, employee-ownership, quality, community, and stewardship. As the architects of our strategy and the leaders of our people and operations, they will passionately pursue our current strategies and plans. They are dedicated to ensuring the growth of King Arthur Flour for generations to come.
Together the Leadership Team has 40 years of experience leading King Arthur Flour. Michael serves as Senior Vice President and General Manager of our Wholesale businesses and manufacturing operations. Ralph is our Chief Financial Officer and heads IT. Karen is our Chief Marketing Officer and oversees our Catalogue and Retail businesses. Suzanne leads our Human Resources function. Going forward, they will guide the company in all its endeavors while retaining their current responsibilities. They have worked closely together to lead the company over many years, and are well prepared to lead as one in this new collaborative management structure.
We celebrate Steve Voigt’s role as a pivotal leader in King Arthur Flour’s history. After joining in 1992, he became CEO in 1999 and engineered and led the transition from a family company to one of the country’s most respected 100% employee-owned businesses. At the same time, he led the company’s growth from a small, respected regional player to a cherished national brand. Fittingly, Steve is leaving to pursue his passion of helping younger ESOP’s and Benefit Corporations realize their full potential. These companies will be lucky to have Steve’s guidance and support.