The National Restaurant Association has named former Sysco CEO and PepsiCo president, Tom Bene as its president and CEO, as well as CEO of the NRA's educational foundation, all effective June 1, a news release said.

In the position, Bene will build on the NRA's advocacy efforts at the local, state, and federal levels, while promoting the U.S. restaurant industry to members, prospective members, industry leaders and allies, government representatives, media, and consumers.

"Tom brings to the association and foundation decades of experience from across the restaurant and foodservice industry," NRA Board Chair Melvin Rodrigue said in the release. "Our industry's operators, suppliers, and employees have been hardest hit by the coronavirus.

"Tom's business acumen coupled with his remarkable record of success will be invaluable for our members and our industry as we begin the process of reopening and rebuilding. And, we remain grateful for Chief Financial and People Officer Marvin Irby, and his exemplary service as interim CEO during the last five-and-a-half months."

In addition to his leadership roles at foodservice distributor, Sysco Corporation and PepsiCo Foodservice, he also held other PepsiCo roles over 23 years with that company. He has a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of Kansas.

Copyright © 2020 Networld Media. All rights reserved., source Industry News