HOUSTON, TX - Sysco announced that its Board of Directors has elected Edward D. Shirley as Independent Lead Director, effective today. 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.

Before joining the Sysco team, Shirley served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Bacardi Limited from 2012-2014 as well as served on the boards of Elizabeth Arden, Inc. and Time Warner Cable Inc. Prior to that, he was Vice Chairman of Procter & Gamble and held several senior executive positions during his 27 years with The Gillette Company (purchased by Procter & Gamble in 2005), according to a press release. 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. “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.”

Shirley’s appointment to his new role follows the retirement of Jackie M. Ward and the election of Tom Bené as Sysco’s Chairman of the Board.

Congratulations to Edward D. Shirley!

To stay in the loop on what’s moving and shaking in the produce industry, keep following AndNowUKnow.

Sysco