Epic Baking Company announced today that Peter W. Hjort, Jr has been appointed as the new CEO of the company. Epic Baking Company was formed by AUA Partners to invest in artisan bakeries that manufacture, distribute and/or market baking products supplying foodservice or retail customers. Epi Breads is the initial investment by AUA Partners for Epic Baking Company. Peter will succeed Cheryl Barre who is retiring.
Peter has over forty years of experience in the food manufacturing industry. He began his career in 1981 with Flowers Foods, Inc. where he had increasing roles of responsibility in Accounting and Finance. During his tenure at Flowers, he was involved in acquiring and integrating dozens of acquisitions including taking Flowers’ majority interest in Keebler public.
Peter joined Summit Hill Foods in 1998 as Chief Financial Officer and held that position until March 2017. Peter served as Chief Operating Officer from June 2016 through January 2018 and then served as President from February 2018 through September 2021. Peter also served as the Chief Financial Officer for Milner Milling, Inc. from July 1998 through August 2012 and as Chief Financial Officer for Pendleton Flour Mills, LLC from May 2001 through August 2012.
Peter has served in numerous civic and private capacities including Board Member, Finance Chair and President of Coosa Country Club, Class Member and Program Chairman of Leadership Georgia, Board Member and Finance Chair of Greater Rome Convention and Visitors Bureau, Board Member and Finance Chair of Northwest Georgia Sexual Assault Center, Board Member of Northwest Georgia Council, Boy Scouts of America, Founding Member of Young Life, Rome, GA, Executive Advisory Council Member, Berry College Campbell School of Business, and Board Member of The Community Foundation for Greater Rome.
Peter holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from the University of Georgia.
About Epic Baking Company: Founded in 1985 in Atlanta, GA, Epi Breads bakes and distributes a range of artisan-crafted bread products including hoagies, rolls and buns for leading foodservice chains and grocery retailers. The Company operates two BRC-certified facilities in Muskegon, Michigan and Atlanta, Georgia.
