Hostess Brands Gets New Leadership

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- In an effort to strengthen its business and improve its competitive positioning, Hostess Brands LLC recently added two new executive leaders. Food industry veteran William Toler was named president and CEO, while longtime Hostess executive Rich Seban, who recently served as the company's president and chief operating officer, was named vice chairman.

"Hostess Brands has become a dynamic and highly successful business over the past year and our unique and widely recognized brands, including Twinkies, HoHos, CupCakes and Ding Dongs have reconnected with consumers," said Hostess Chairman Dean Metropoulos. "As we look forward to the company's exciting future, it is important to continue to strengthen the organization and strive to reach new levels of growth through further market expansion, new products and acquisitions."

Metropoulos is the CEO of Metropoulos & Co., which along with Apollo Global Management LLC formed Hostess Brands' new incarnation with a $410-million purchase following the snack cake company's filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2012.

Toler,  Metropoulos' colleague, previously served as CEO of AdvancePierre Foods and president of Pinnacle, while Seban worked on Hostess' transition and will remain involved in the management of the business.  

"Both individuals will be key to further penetrating our markets and expanding our product offerings to appeal to a broader base of consumers," Metropoulos added. "We have been very pleased with the support of our consumers and retail partners, and are excited about what’s ahead."