HOUSTON, TX – Sysco has appointed Tom Bené as its new President and Chief Operating Officer.
The former Executive Vice President and President, Foodservice Operations will assume his responsibilities on Friday, January 1, 2016. While reporting to CEO Bill DeLaney, Bené will oversee all of Sysco’s business operations and commercial functions, as well as its supply chain organization, according to a press release. It is unclear whether the promotion will put him in a position to eventually to succeed DeLaney, but the Chief Executive was very confident of Bené’s talent as a veteran foodservice distribution executive and remained optimistic of his abilities.
DeLaney complimented Bené on his ability to contribute significantly to the company’s ongoing progress to strengthen the brand after its failed merger with US Foods, praising his leadership skills and consistent results.
He added, “Expanding Tom’s role will provide me with additional capacity to lead the execution of our recently announced three-year strategic plan, work closely with our Board of Directors on long-term strategic opportunities, and further engage with Sysco’s key stakeholders.”
Prior to joining Sysco, Bené held a 23-year career at PepsiCo in a number of positions relating to merchandising, sales, operations, franchise development, and general management. He was ultimately promoted to President of PepsiCo Foodservice before joining Sysco in March 2013 as its Executive Vice President and Chief Merchandising Officer. He was later promoted that same year to Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, and finally took on his most recent position in January of 2015.
