Warburtons Executive To Emphasize Innovation, Streamline At 2018 ABA Convention

WASHINGTON, D.C. – At the American Bakers Association’s (ABA) 2018 Convention in Scottsdale, Ariz. this April, fifth-generation executive of the United Kingdom’s leading baking company, Warburtons, will challenge baking’s conventional wisdom with a streamlined, innovative business approach.

On April 16 at the ATBI Leadership Breakfast, Jonathan Warburton, Chairman of Warburtons, and former sales and marketing professional at Unilever, will point to a potential direction for the baking industry’s future by sharing what guides his business compass. Sure to entertain and inform with “Leading With Purpose and Passion,” Warburton will offer a fresh perspective on workforce engagement, leading attendees in a lively dialogue about the European and global baking markets.

“Jonathan will detail his highly effective leadership style and will offer his unique perspective on opportunities for where the industry can employ innovative thinking in the ever-changing marketplace,” said Robb MacKie, ABA President & CEO. “He will also join in one of the industry’s most timely conversations – how to empower and engage the workforce – and share insights from his global experience.”  

Warburton worked his way up the family-owned business from National Account Manager to Chairman – a position he has held since 2001. Taking the helm of the business in 1991, Warburton offered up the strategy designed by him and his two cousins, to transform the business from a regional one to a national one, pursuing the vision to become the country’s favored baker. Since holding Chairmanship, the company has seen growth of over 60 percent to a turnover in excess of £550m, with the number of bakery and distribution sites growing by over 40 percent. Warburton was a non-Executive Director of Samworth Brothers Limited for 20 years (1997-2017) and non-Executive Director of AG Barr Plc for three years (2010-2013). He received an Honorary Doctorate from Manchester University in 2003.

“Jonathan’s leadership at Warburtons will provide tremendous food for thought,” said MacKie. “We are very privileged that this humble global baking leader is willing to share his perspective with our group.”

Find out more about the 2018 ABA Convention.

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About the 2018 ABA Convention:

The premier annual gathering of the baking industry, the 2018 ABA Convention will take place April14-18 at the Phoenician in Scottsdale, Ariz. This event is where top industry leaders will network with key colleagues, leverage expertise to navigate the evolving marketplace, and tap into new strategies for growth. Follow the convention with #PlantAhead

About the American Bakers Association:

The American Bakers Association (ABA) is the Washington D.C.-based voice of the wholesale baking industry. Since 1897, ABA has represented the interests of bakers before the U.S. Congress, federal agencies, and international regulatory authorities. ABA advocates on behalf of more than 1,000 baking facilities and baking company suppliers. ABA members produce bread, rolls, cookies, crackers, bagels, sweet goods, tortillas and many other wholesome, nutritious, baked products for America’s families. The baking industry generates more than $153 billion in economic activity annually and employs more than 799,500 highly skilled people. #AmericanBakers

Source: American Bakers Association