WM adds board member

The WM board of directors has elected Tom Bené, president and CEO of New York-based Breakthru Beverage Group LLC, as an additional, independent member of its board of directors.

“We’re delighted to announce the election of Tom to the board after a comprehensive search,” WM Chair Kathy Mazzarella says. “With his extensive business leadership experience and background developing strong corporate cultures, he will be an asset to WM.”

Breakthru Beverage Group is a family-owned and operated beverage wholesaler.

Bené has four decades of experience executing strategic business priorities and delivering financial growth for leading public companies, according to Houston-based WM. He has been president and CEO of Breakthru since 2021.

Prior to that, Bené held several operations and leadership roles at Houston-based food services company Sysco Corp., including as president, CEO and board chair.

Before joining Sysco in 2013, Bené spent 23 years at PepsiCo in numerous roles.

“We're very pleased to welcome Tom to our board,” WM President and CEO Jim Fish says. “His deep experience in logistics, track record of fostering growth, and his dedication to employee development and outstanding customer service will be valuable as we navigate the opportunities ahead of us. In addition, his focus on competitive differentiation through the use of technology complements WM’s growth and optimization strategy.”

According to WM, Bené will serve on the Management Development and Compensation Committee of the board. His election expands the Board of Directors of WM to 10 members, nine of whom are independent directors.