17 - ALLEN SHIVER, CEO, Flowers Foods
Allen Shiver worked his way up the ladder at Flowers Foods, becoming president and CEO 35 years after joining the company.
Pathway to the top: Shiver started working for Flowers during high school and college, and joined as a route salesperson in 1978 after graduating. He then moved steadily up the ranks, becoming district manager, assistant product manager, and director of marketing for baked foods. In 2008, he was named executive vice president and chief marketing officer before becoming president in 2010 and CEO in 2013.
Education: Shiver has a bachelor's degree in business administration/marketing from Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, GA.