Ben E. Keith Foods Announces Changes to Executive Team

FORT WORTH, Texas, Oct. 11, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- A longtime sales executive is retiring from Ben E. Keith Foods, while two other executives are being promoted to new leadership positions in strategic planning and sales.

Ron Boyd, Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing, is retiring after 36 years of service with the foodservice distributor.

A U.S. Army veteran who served in Germany and Vietnam, Mr. Boyd worked in numerous capacities upon joining the company in 1981. He was General Manager of the Dallas and Fort Worth divisions, Director of Groceries, and Vice President of Division Management. In every role, Mr. Boyd took pride in recruiting and developing many individuals who have gone on to key leadership roles within the company.

"For nearly four decades, Ron has exemplified the 'Special Spirit' we have at Ben E. Keith," said Mike Sweet, President, Ben E. Keith Foods. "Through his inspiring leadership, he has fueled much of our expansion and enabled our evolution from a produce company to a broadline distributor. Ron will be missed, but his legacy will be felt every day. We wish him and his wife, Debbie, a happy and fruitful retirement."

Mr. Boyd's retirement becomes effective February 1, 2018.

David Werner, currently Vice President of Marketing, has been promoted to replace Mr. Boyd in the newly-created role of Vice President of Independent Sales and Marketing. A 29-year Ben E. Keith veteran, Mr. Werner will oversee sales for the company's 500 plus district sales representatives in 14 states. He will draw on his significant in-field sales experience to lead the company's district sales representatives in serving the needs of both independent and regional operators. Mr. Werner has a BBA degree in marketing from the University of Central Oklahoma, and completed the IFDA Executive Development Program at the University of Virginia.

"David is a strong and enthusiastic leader and he will apply that expertise and passion to this new position," said Mr. Sweet. "He will bring innovative solutions to the DSR at Ben E. Keith Foods, so they can continue to provide exemplary service and value to our customers."

Brian Lynch, currently Vice President of Sales Development & Training, has been promoted to the newly created position of Vice President of Corporate Strategy. In this job, he will lead our company's strategic planning process, explore new revenue sources, and coordinate key initiatives like partnership integrations and IT implementations. Mr. Lynch joined Ben E. Keith in 2002, and has held leadership positions in sales, sales analytics, sales management and purchasing. He has a BS degree in Applied Learning and Development from the University of Texas, and completed the IFDA Executive Development Program at the University of Virginia.

Mr. Sweet said: "As the foodservice industry continues to evolve, the need for bold and strategic thinking has never been greater. Brian's industry knowledge and commitment to excellence will serve Ben E. Keith Foods well."

About Ben E. Keith Foods

Established in Fort Worth, Texas in 1906, Ben E. Keith Foods is the nation's eighth largest broad line foodservice distributor and operates today with eight divisions shipping to 12 states throughout the country.

For more information about Ben E. Keith contact:
David Werner, Vice President, Marketing. 817-759-6826. [email protected]

SOURCE Ben E. Keith Foods

Related Links

http://www.benekeith.com