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ABC Supply says CIO Tony Vaden will retire effective Jan. 1, 2027, after 13 years with the company. Larry Sullivan, currently the company’s IT vice president of software, data and digital transformation, is set to succeed him, with both executives working together through the rest of 2026.
ABC Supply says Chief Information Officer Tony Vaden will retire effective Jan. 1, 2027, and Larry Sullivan, the company’s vice president of IT for software, data and digital transformation, will take over the role. The company said the two executives will work together through the remainder of 2026 to support the change in leadership at a time when technology supports its operations and services for associates, customers and suppliers.
Vaden has been with ABC Supply since 2013 and has served as a technology leader for 13 years, according to the announcement reported by Hardware Retailing on Oct. 7. ABC Supply credited him with modernizing its technology infrastructure, expanding its data and analytics capabilities and developing the IT organization’s role across the business. His retirement is scheduled to take effect at the start of 2027.
Sullivan joined ABC Supply in 2017 and currently leads IT work related to software, data and digital transformation. The company said his responsibilities have included initiatives involving artificial intelligence, data and analytics, digital transformation and technology strategy. He will become CIO on Jan. 1, 2027, succeeding Vaden.
ABC Supply said Vaden and Sullivan will work closely together during the remaining months of 2026. The announcement did not provide further details about the handover, Sullivan’s specific priorities as CIO or any changes to the IT organization. The company described the succession as an example of developing leaders internally and maintaining continuity.
A Leadership Handoff for ABC Supply IT
The appointment places a leader already responsible for major parts of ABC Supply’s technology work in the CIO role, rather than bringing in an external successor. Sullivan’s experience across software, data, digital transformation and technology strategy may help maintain continuity in those areas; the company has not announced specific new programs or changes under his leadership.
The change also marks the end of Vaden’s 13-year tenure. ABC Supply credited his leadership with building technology capabilities and strengthening the IT team’s role in supporting the wider business. For the company’s associates, customers and suppliers, technology decisions can affect how internal operations and service systems develop, but the announcement does not identify any immediate service or operational changes tied to the succession.
The timing gives the company several months for the outgoing and incoming CIOs to work together before the effective date. That overlap is the only transition arrangement described publicly so far. It is intended to support continuity, though the announcement does not specify milestones or how responsibilities will be divided during the handover.
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From Vaden’s Tenure to Sullivan’s Appointment
ABC Supply’s announcement sets out a succession timeline: Vaden joined the company in 2013, Sullivan joined in 2017, and Sullivan is due to become CIO when Vaden retires on Jan. 1, 2027. The two leaders are expected to work together through the end of 2026. These dates provide a defined transition period, but no additional schedule or process was included in the report.
The company’s account of Vaden’s tenure focuses on technology infrastructure, data and analytics, and the growth of the IT organization. Its description of Sullivan’s work centers on software, data, digital transformation and technology strategy, including artificial intelligence initiatives. Those areas form the stated professional background for the succession; the announcement does not say that Sullivan’s appointment signals a particular change in strategy.
In comments reported by Hardware Retailing, ABC Supply President and Chief Operating Officer Mike Jost praised Vaden’s contributions and said the company was positioned for the future. Sullivan said he would build on the foundation established by Vaden and the IT team. The statements reflect the company’s view of the handover, rather than an independently detailed assessment of its technology programs.
“Tony has made a tremendous impact on ABC Supply, not only through the expanded capabilities he helped build but also through the relationships and culture he fostered within our organization.”
— Mike Jost, ABC Supply president and chief operating officer
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Details of the CIO Handover
The company has announced the succession and effective date, but has not described Sullivan’s goals, planned technology investments or any changes to the IT team. It is also unclear whether Vaden will take on an advisory role after his retirement; no such arrangement was included in the report.
ABC Supply has not provided a detailed account of how duties will be divided while the two executives work together, beyond saying they will coordinate through the remainder of 2026. The announcement does not identify specific projects, performance measures or timelines for the transition, and no immediate changes to products or services were reported.
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Transition Work Through December
Vaden and Sullivan are expected to work together through the remainder of 2026, ahead of Sullivan’s planned start as CIO on Jan. 1, 2027. That is the next stated milestone. ABC Supply has not announced additional transition dates or a schedule for outlining Sullivan’s priorities.
Any further information about the incoming CIO’s plans, the structure of the IT organization or specific technology initiatives would clarify what may change after he takes the role. Until the company provides those details, the confirmed development is a planned leadership succession with a period of overlap before the effective date.
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Key Questions
Who will become ABC Supply’s next CIO?
Larry Sullivan, currently ABC Supply’s vice president of IT for software, data and digital transformation, is set to succeed Tony Vaden.
When does the CIO change take effect?
Sullivan is scheduled to become CIO on Jan. 1, 2027. Vaden’s retirement is effective on the same date.
How long has Tony Vaden worked at ABC Supply?
Vaden joined ABC Supply in 2013. The company said he will retire after 13 years of leadership.
What experience does Larry Sullivan bring to the role?
Sullivan joined ABC Supply in 2017 and has led work involving software, artificial intelligence, data and analytics, digital transformation and technology strategy, according to the company.
Will ABC Supply’s technology plans change under Sullivan?
The announcement does not specify whether plans will change or outline Sullivan’s priorities as CIO. ABC Supply said he will build on the foundation established by Vaden and the IT team.
Source: rss
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