Food distributor Sysco adds two board members to advance AI transformation

Aug. 20 (Reuters) - Sysco SYY.N on Thursday said it has appointed two new directors with artificial intelligence and industry expertise, while also strengthening board oversight, as the food distributor pushes ahead with its AI-driven transformation.

The move comes as food and restaurant companies increasingly adopt AI tools to improve demand forecasting, inventory management, supply-chain planning and customer service.

Here are the details:

• Jason Murray, CEO of logistics technology firm Shipium and a former Amazon executive, and Tom Ondrof, former CFO of food service company Aramark ARMK.N, will join the board on Sept. 1, increasing its size to 13 directors.
• The Houston-based company also said its Technology Committee has been renamed the Artificial Intelligence Transformation & Technology Committee, with Murray joining the panel.
• The company expects $100 million in savings from AI, automation and process improvements in fiscal 2027, contributing to revenue growth of 6% to 7% and adjusted EPS growth of 9% to 11%, per its August outlook.
• Sysco said long-time shareholder D.E. Shaw supports its AI initiatives and expects to participate in the capital raise for the company's planned acquisition of Jetro Restaurant Depot.