DALLAS, TX – July 18, 2016 – Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC), the nation’s second largest premium wine and spirits distributor, announced today the appointment of Darrell Riekena as Chief Information Officer (CIO) reporting to Tom Cole, RNDC President and Chief Executive Officer. In his role, Riekena will have leadership responsibility for the company’s overall technology strategy and all Corporate IT projects and initiatives.
“Darrell brings a wealth of experience to RNDC and will add tremendous value to this important leadership role,” said Tom Cole, President and Chief Executive Officer, RNDC. “His expertise, knowledge and skills will be instrumental to the progressive vision of how RNDC selects, implements and executes technology systems that support our future growth as a distributor as we continue to serve the needs of our suppliers and customers.”
Prior to joining RNDC Riekena served as Chief Information Officer/Chief Operating Officer of National DCP, LLC (NDCP), the $2 billion supply chain management cooperative serving the franchisees of Dunkin’ Donuts. In his role, he led strategic initiatives and change management activities with a focus on growth, speed and agility to market. His key responsibilities included spearheading the award-winning Project Freshstart digital transformation initiative, and overseeing IT platforms which served the company’s headquarters, nationwide distribution network and more than 8,900 Dunkin’ restaurants. The initiative received industry recognition and was ranked #28 on the 2016 InformationWeek Elite 100 – a list of the top business technology innovators.
Riekena’s experience spans consumer-facing, multichannel companies with retail, grocery, healthcare, global supply chain, and manufacturing capabilities. His history of successful global technology and business leadership roles includes key positions at Target Corporation, Kroger Company, LimitedBrands Inc., and JCPenney Company.
Riekena is currently a member of the Verizon Cloud Technology Council and SAP Advisory Council for Retail & Wholesale Industries. His experience also includes service on the National Retail Federation’s Association for Retail Technology Standards and Motorola’s Retail Mobility Advisory Council. Riekana is also a notable industry advisory, serving as a presenter at Gartner IT/Xpo, Gartner Summit (London), Deloitte Analytics Symposium, and other global industry conferences including SAP Sapphire and Manhattan Associates Momentum.
Riekena will start in his new position effective July 18, 2016, and will be based at RNDC’s Atlanta office.
###