HOUSTON, July 13, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- SYSCO Corporation (NYSE:SYY), North America's largest foodservice marketer and distributor, today announced that John Locke, vice president, merchandising services, is retiring after a distinguished 23-year career.
Mr. Locke joined Sysco Chemical Co., Inc. in 1982 as regional manager. Sysco Chemical Co. was a wholly-owned subsidiary of SYSCO located in Detroit before it was merged into Compton Foods, which became the SYSCO procurement organization in 1985. At the time of the merger, he was named director of chemical marketing. In 1992, he advanced to vice president of merchandising-nonfood products. In 1997, the merchandising area was realigned and he assumed his current position with expanded responsibility for beverages, chemicals, disposables, medical products, supplies and equipment, canned and dry foods, specialty products, pasta, seafood and bakery items.
"John Locke has been involved throughout much of the formative years of SYSCO's merchandising services organization and has been a major contributor to enhancing our company's reputation for outstanding products in the foodservice world," said Richard J. Schnieders, chairman, chief executive officer, and president of SYSCO. "We wish him the best in this new phase of his life."
Mr. Locke and his wife Irene live in Richmond, Texas.
SYSCO is the largest foodservice marketing and distribution organization in North America, providing food and related products and services to approximately 400,000 restaurants, healthcare and educational facilities, lodging establishments and other foodservice customers. The company generated sales of $30.0 billion for calendar year 2004. SYSCO's operations are located throughout North America and include broadline companies, specialty produce facilities, custom-cut meat operations, Asian foodservice distribution, hotel supply operations and chain restaurant distribution. For more information visit the company's home page at www.sysco.com.
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