Twinkies maker Hostess brands names new CEO

Hostess Brands Inc., the maker of Twinkies and Ding Dongs, has named Andrew Callahan, a veteran consumer packaged goods leader, as its news new president and chief executive.

The Kansas-based company said that Callahan will become CEO on 7 May. He has over 23 years’ experience in the consumer goods industry, holding positions at Tyson Foods, Kraft Foods, The Hillshire Brands and Sara Lee. 

Callahan will replace executive chairman Dean Metropoulos who has been serving as interim CEO since the firm’s former boss Bill Toler retired in March.

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Metropoulos will remain as executive chairman of the company, the snacks brand said. 

Speaking of Callahan’s appointment, Metropoulos said: “He is a very accomplished consumer packaged goods executive with strong experience in leading brands and we welcome his leadership, brand and innovation expertise as we continue to further build our distribution and market share in the sweet baked goods category.”.

Credited for being a “driving force” at Hostess, Toler announced his retirement in October. 

“Under Bill’s leadership, the Company successfully re-established the iconic Hostess brand as a leader within the sweet baked goods category and transitioned from a private to public company,” said executive chairman Dean Metropoulos.

“Bill has led Hostess through a considerable growth phase and has generated significant stockholder value. It has been a pleasure working with him to establish a strong culture as a foundation for future success.”