The Sysco Corporation’s Board of Directors elected a new Independent Lead Director this month. Edward D. Shirley was elected to that position effective Friday, November 16th, 2018. In his new role, Shirley will coordinate the activities of the independent directors, help facilitate the board’s oversight and shareholder responsiveness, and act as a liaison between the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, and the other independent directors.
Shirley’s appointment follows the retirement of Jackie M. Ward and the election of Tom Bené as Sysco’s Chairman of the Board.
Before joining Sysco, Shirley served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Bacardi Limited from 2012-2014. Shirley also served on the boards of Elizabeth Arden, Inc. and Time Warner Cable Inc. He was Vice Chairman of Procter & Gamble and held several senior executive positions during a 27-year tenure with The Gillette Company (purchased by Procter & Gamble in 2005). Currently, Shirley serves as a Director on the Board of New York Life Insurance Company.
“Ed has provided exceptional leadership and valuable insights as a member of our board over the last two years,” said Tom Bené, Sysco’s President and Chief Executive Officer, in a press release. “We are committed to good corporate governance practices and believe that the addition of an independent lead director will help to enhance corporate oversight. The board looks forward to working with Ed in his new role.”
Deli Market News congratulates Shirley on his new role. We wish Shirley and Sysco all the best.
