Milling & Baking News - March 6, 2012 - 29

Kendell Keith retires following 31-year career with N.G.F.A.
WASHINGTON — Kendell W. Keith, a 31-year-veteran of the National Grain and Feed Association and the association’s president for the past 25 years, has retired. Randall C. Gordon, a 33-year veteran of the N.G.F.A.’s staff who currently is vice-president of communications and government relations, has been selected to serve as the N.G.F.A.’s acting president. “The industry is extremely fortunate to have had the benefit of Kendell’s strong leadership, vision, hard work and unswerving dedication for more than three decades,” said Hal Reed, chairman of the N.G.F.A. and chief operating officer for The Andersons, Maumee, Ohio. “Working with our board of directors and industry committees, he literally elevated the N.G.F.A. to the preeminent national leadership role on rail, commodity and futures market, agricultural, grain warehouse, and many other critical public policy areas.” Mr. Keith is only the fifth person to serve as the N.G.F.A.’s chief staff officer, and only the second to serve a quarter century or longer. Prior to being elected president of the group in 1987, Mr. Keith was vice-president and corporate secretary/ treasurer from 1985-87. In that capacity, he administered the Keith operation of the N.G.F.A.’s Trade Rules and Arbitration System. He joined the N.G.F.A.’s staff in 1980 as director of economic services, with expertise in a range of public policy matters, including government commodity, agricultural policy and grain storage programs; international trade; domestic grain markets; and livestock marketing. He received his undergraduate, master’s and doctorate degrees in agricultural economics from Oklahoma State University.

Mr. Keith said his work at the N.G.F.A. had been “extremely gratifying.” “There are few things I would change about that part of my career,” Mr. Keith said. “N.G.F.A., as a major agribusiness organization, has had huge success in Congress and with the federal government in farm policy, trade policy, environmental policy, transportation, feed and food industry issues, and many other areas.” He attributed those successes to a strong commitment from staff and industry volunteers “to get the job done, and to represent this industry with the highest integrity and in the professional manner it deserves.” Mr. Keith said perhaps the most satisfying part of his career with the N.G.F.A. involved the consistent application of the organization’s overriding philosophy. Mr. Keith has accepted the N.G.F.A.’s invitation to attend its March 18-20 convention in Charleston, S.C., where he will be recognized for his three decades of service to the industry. MBN largest U.S. bankruptcy filing in history. “I was attracted to Hostess because it has so much potential to grow and thrive again,” Mr. Rayburn said. “The company has some of the nation’s most beloved and recognized brands and a talented workforce, so there’s a great deal to build upon.” Mr. Rayburn is a director of The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co. and holds a bachelor’s degree in business and marketing and a master’s degree in accounting from the University of Alabama. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Kobi Partners L.L.C. is a restructuring advisory services firm based in WinstonSalem, N.C. MBN Wal-Mart Executive Committee. In 1997, he was chosen by the Walton Family to receive the Sam M. Walton Entrepreneur of the Year award, the highest recognition given by the company. Mr. Humphrey oversaw implementation of the growth strategy at Best Brands that was fueled by both organic expansion, and successful acquisitions and integration. He previously was a vicepresident at Borden Foods and Kraft Foods. Mr. Degn and Mr. Humphrey will join industry veteran William R. Voss, who joined Wenner’s board of directors in July 2011. Mr. Voss previously was president and c.e.o. of Health Valley Foods. MBN
Milling & Baking News March 6, 2012 / 29

Gregory Rayburn to join Hostess as restructuring ofﬁcer
IRVING, TEXAS — Hostess Brands, Inc. has retained Gregory F. Rayburn of Kobi Partners L.L.C. as its chief restructuring officer (c.r.o.), subject to bankruptcy court approval. Mr. Rayburn will report to Brian Driscoll, president and chief executive officer, and will assist Mr. Driscoll in managing Hostess’ restructuring under Chapter 11. Mr. Rayburn has more than 29 years of experience working with troubled businesses in their efforts to create and maximize value for all stakeholders. “Greg is one of the nation’s most experienced and effective restructuring executives, and I look forward to working closely with him,” Mr. Driscoll said. “His hiring reflects our commitment to do all that we can to emerge from Chapter 11 as a robust competitor with a solid future.” Mr. Rayburn has been c.r.o., c.e.o. and chief operating officer of several high-profile companies, including Indianapolis Downs, L.L.C.; New York City Off Track Betting Association; Magna Entertainment Corp.; AAIPharma Services and Sunterra Corp. He was c.r.o. for WorldCom during what was then the

Two join Wenner Bread board of directors
BAYPORT, N.Y. — Doug Degn, retired executive vice-president of food, consumables and hardlines merchandising at Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., and Scott Humphrey, former president and chief executive officer of Best Brands, have been named to the board of directors of Wenner Bread Products Inc., a manufacturer of nearly 400 varieties of bread and rolls for 20,000 U.S. bakeries. “Doug and Scott bring a wealth of retail and industry experience to the Wenner Board, and I’m excited that they will be working closely with me and the
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management team as we pursue new growth opportunities,” said Jeff Montie, chief executive officer of Wenner Bread Products. “Their insights and experiences will be invaluable as our team continues to build on the company’s great heritage.” Mr. Degn started his Wal-Mart career as a pharmacist in 1983 in Lawrence, Kas., after obtaining his pharmacy degree at the University of Kansas. He held numerous management positions at Wal-Mart during his 24 years with the company and retired in 2007 as executive vice-president and as a member of the

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Milling & Baking News - March 6, 2012

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