The Sysco Corporation unveiled a CEO succession plan that will see the company’s current President and Chief Operating Officer stepping into the role of CEO. Effective January 1, 2018, Tom Bené will ascend to President and Chief Executive Officer and join Sysco’s Board of Directors. The company’s current CEO Bill Delaney will, at that time, step down and will continue to serve in an advisory capacity through December 31, 2018.
“I am excited for the opportunity to lead Sysco forward as its next President and Chief Executive Officer,” Bené said, thanking Delaney for what he refers to as tremendous leadership. “We have a talented team of associates across the globe, and I am honored to lead this team as we build on our momentum as the industry leader...With our strong customer-focused mindset, supported by operational capabilities, innovative product offerings, and value-added services, I am confident that we will continue to drive Sysco’s growth, make it a great place for our associates to work and create shareholder value.”
Bené came to Sysco in 2013, serving in a variety of capacities at the company before being appointed President and Chief Operating Officer in January of 2016. In that role, Bené was responsible for overseeing all of Sysco’s business operations, commercial functions, and supply chain organization.
Before joining Sysco, Bené held positions of increasing responsibility at PepsiCo. Bené’s 23-year term included roles in marketing, sales, operations, franchise development, and general management—and ultimately culminated in a stint as President of PepsiCo Foodservice.
“Today’s announcement represents the successful culmination of the board’s long-range leadership succession planning process, and will result in an orderly transition. The board is confident that our plan provides a natural progression for Sysco to continue to grow and thrive, and Tom is the ideal candidate to succeed Bill," said Jackie Ward, Chairman of the company’s Board of Directors, noting his intimate familiarity with Sysco’s operations.
Ward also touched on the contributions Delaney made throughout his career at Sysco and his term as CEO.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors and everyone at Sysco, I would like to salute Bill for his many contributions over the span of his 30-year career of distinguished service at Sysco,” added Ward. “Under his leadership, Sysco has established itself as the global leader in selling, marketing, and distributing food products, and is well-positioned for disciplined, profitable, and sustainable growth. We are appreciative that we will continue to benefit from Bill’s expertise as Chief Executive Officer through the remainder of the calendar year."
DeLaney joined Sysco in 1987 and was named Chief Executive Officer in 2009. He has held a variety of leadership positions throughout his Sysco career. Delaney served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer immediately prior to assuming his current role as CEO.
“Tom has played a leading and critical role in successfully executing our strategy and driving our strong business performance in recent years," Delaney said, expressing gratitude to the Sysco team. "I look forward to supporting Tom, and our Sysco team, as they continue to position the company for success.”
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