King Arthur Baking Company Announces CEO Transition

May 5, 2023 - Today, King Arthur Baking Company announced that Karen Colberg, previously co-CEO of King Arthur, will assume the sole CEO position effective May 8th and lead the company in its next chapter of growth. Ralph Carlton, who previously served as co-CEO in partnership with Karen, will step down from the role to focus on his health while continuing to serve the company in a strategic advisory capacity.

“Looking ahead to the future of King Arthur, I am excited and energized. We are looking forward to exciting growth in the coming year and will continue to further our mission of creating stronger and healthier communities through baking.” said Colberg. “Reflecting on the past nine years, it has been an honor to lead the company alongside Ralph. His strategic thinking and care for our employee-owners will leave a lasting impact on King Arthur, and I’m grateful that he will continue to support us in an advisory capacity.”

“I feel incredibly privileged to have served as co-CEO of King Arthur for the past nine years,” said Carlton. “King Arthur is an extraordinary company because of our employee-owners, our bakers, our culture of respect and caring, and our commitment to B Corp principles. It's no exaggeration to say this work has been the most fulfilling of my career.”

King Arthur also announced several additional organizational changes to position the company for long-term growth and success:

• Brock Barton will become Chief Financial Officer. Brock joined King Arthur in 2013 as a Senior Accountant and was promoted to Controller in 2014. He became VP of Finance in 2017.
• Janis Abbingsole will become Chief Operating Officer. Janis joined King Arthur as a consultant in May 2019 and became VP of Operations at the end of 2019.
• Tony Bass will become Chief Sales Officer. Tony joined King Arthur in 2017 as VP of Sales for our Wholesale Family Flour business. He assumed responsibility for Trade Promotion Management in 2018 and in May 2020 also added leadership of our Bakery Flour Sales business.

About King Arthur Baking Company:
King Arthur Baking Company has been sharing the joy of baking since 1790. Headquartered in Norwich, Vermont, a certified B Corp, 1% for the Planet member, and 100% employee-owned, King Arthur Baking is the ultimate baking resource, providing the highest quality ingredients for the most delicious baked goods, while inspiring connections and community through baking. King Arthur's superior flours and mixes are available in supermarkets nationwide. Visit KingArthurBaking.com for more specialty baking items, mixes, gluten-free products, recipes, guides, and more. Follow King Arthur Baking Company on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

Media Contact:
mediarelations@kingarthurbaking.com