The National Restaurant Association Has a New CEO

The National Restaurant Association has announced a new president and CEO.

According to an article published Monday in FastCasual, Tome Bene, the former CEO of Sysco and president of PepsiCo will join the NRA in the top executive position at a crucial time for the industry. As restaurants across the country reel from the ongoing health and economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic, the NRA is advocating on their behalf 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.”

Bene’s experience at Sysco and PepsCo leave him well equipped to lead the NRA, said board chair Melvin Rodrigue in a press release.

> “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."

Bene will step into his new role as on June 1.