Why This Matters to Distributors: Sysco is putting formal board oversight behind its AI strategy and tying the technology into a $100 million cost-savings program. The move shows how the foodservice distributor is shifting AI from individual technology projects toward an enterprise operating strategy as it prepares for the proposed acquisition of Jetro Restaurant Depot.
Sysco Corp. is putting artificial intelligence under direct board oversight as the foodservice distributor expands its use of AI and automation across operations and prepares for its proposed $29.1 billion acquisition of Jetro Restaurant Depot.
The Houston-based company said on Aug. 20 that its board has renamed its Technology Committee the Artificial Intelligence Transformation & Technology Committee. The committee has begun meeting monthly with management to oversee AI adoption and the execution of Sysco’s broader technology strategy.
Sysco also elected two new directors with experience in supply-chain technology and foodservice: Jason Murray, co-founder and CEO of Shipium Corp., and Tom Ondrof, former chief financial officer of Aramark Corp. Their appointments take effect Sept. 1 and expand Sysco’s board to 13 directors.
The governance changes come as Sysco puts specific operating targets behind its AI push. The company’s fiscal 2027 outlook includes a $100 million cost-savings program driven by AI-based process improvements, automation, and other operating efficiencies. Sysco expects fiscal 2027 sales to increase 6% to 7%.
“Sysco is uniquely positioned to leverage artificial intelligence to further strengthen our industry leadership, enhance customer service, and improve operating performance,” CEO Kevin Hourican said. “We are making deliberate investments in technology, governance, and talent to accelerate our AI transformation and unlock value for our shareholders.”
Murray will serve on the new AI and technology committee, giving Sysco’s board a director with experience applying data science and technology to supply-chain operations.
Murray spent 19 years at Amazon, where he held vice president roles overseeing supply-chain optimization technology and retail systems and services. Sysco said Murray helped lead the development and deployment of Amazon’s core supply-chain data science technology. He later co-founded Shipium, which develops technology for shipping and fulfillment operations.
Ondrof has more than 30 years of experience in foodservice and business services. In addition to Aramark, he held leadership positions at Performance Food Group and Compass Group. His experience includes strategic planning, acquisitions and integration and managing large financial and operational organizations. Ondrof will join Sysco’s Audit Committee.
“Jason brings exceptional experience leading technology-driven supply chain innovation and AI-enabled transformation at scale, while Tom offers deep foodservice expertise,” Hourican said.
Sysco’s increased focus on AI comes as it prepares for one of the largest expansions in the company’s history.
Sysco agreed in March to acquire Jetro Restaurant Depot in a transaction valued at about $29.1 billion. Restaurant Depot operates a cash-and-carry wholesale model, giving Sysco an entry into a distribution channel that differs from its traditional delivery business. Under the agreement, Jetro shareholders would receive $21.6 billion in cash and 91.5 million Sysco shares.
The transaction would add more than 160 warehouse-style locations and expand Sysco’s reach among independent restaurants and other small foodservice customers.
The combination also increases the importance of technology, data and automation as Sysco prepares to operate a larger and more complex distribution network.
Sysco generated more than $84 billion in sales in fiscal 2026. The company operates 333 distribution centers in 10 countries, employs about 75,000 people, and serves approximately 670,000 customer locations.
The Aug. 20 announcement also disclosed a role for long-time Sysco shareholder D. E. Shaw Group in the company’s AI strategy.
Sysco said D. E. Shaw has connected the distributor with technology providers, industry experts and director candidates as Sysco expands its use of AI. The investment firm also expects to participate in the capital raise planned to support the Restaurant Depot acquisition.
Michael O’Mary, managing director at D. E. Shaw & Co., said the firm was encouraged by Sysco’s increased focus on “AI-enabled operational improvement” and the addition of Murray and Ondrof.
For distributors, the significance goes beyond two board appointments. Sysco is putting a formal governance structure around AI, requiring monthly board-level engagement with management, and connecting the technology to measurable changes in processes, automation, and productivity.
With a $100 million savings program underway and the Restaurant Depot transaction potentially adding a new fulfillment model to an already large distribution network, Sysco is positioning AI as part of how the company intends to operate at greater scale — not simply as a technology initiative.
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