ABC Supply will change chief information officers on Jan. 1, 2027, when Larry Sullivan succeeds Tony Vaden, who plans to retire after 13 years with the company, according to the company announcement. Sullivan, the company’s vice president of software, data and digital transformation, will take over the role as the two executives work together through the remainder of the year.
The company said the planned handoff reflects its commitment to developing leaders internally and maintaining continuity. The announcement centers on a transition within ABC Supply’s information technology leadership, with Vaden and Sullivan set to coordinate before the change takes effect.
Vaden’s 13 Years at ABC Supply
Vaden joined ABC Supply in 2013. During his tenure, the company said he modernized its technology infrastructure, expanded its data and analytics capabilities, and developed the IT organization as a strategic partner across the business.
ABC Supply also credited Vaden with advancing its digital capabilities and building a team focused on supporting associates, customers and long-term growth. President and Chief Operating Officer Mike Jost said Vaden’s impact included both expanded capabilities and relationships and culture within the organization.
“He leaves us well positioned for the future, and we are grateful for his leadership,” Jost said.
The company described the transition as a continuation of work already underway inside its organization. The planned overlap gives Vaden and Sullivan time to work together through the rest of the year, according to the announcement.
Sullivan’s Technology Portfolio
Sullivan joined ABC Supply in 2017. He currently serves as vice president of software, data and digital transformation, and has led initiatives spanning artificial intelligence, data and analytics, digital transformation, and technology strategy.
ABC Supply said those initiatives have helped strengthen its ability to support associates and customers in a dynamic business environment. Sullivan said he was honored to become CIO and build on the foundation established by Vaden and the company’s IT team.
“Technology continues to play an important role in how we support our associates, customers and suppliers,” Sullivan said, adding that he looked forward to advancing that mission.
The leadership change fits within a wider discussion of how organizations prepare leaders for changing business demands. Grit Daily has examined leadership demands and the skills companies seek from executives. Its coverage also includes workplace leadership and another leadership transition. Those stories provide broader context for readers; ABC Supply’s announcement does not connect its change to the developments in those articles.
ABC Supply is a wholesale distributor of roofing, select exterior and interior building products, and outdoor solutions in North America. Founded in 1982, the company says it serves professional contractors with products, services and support across major building categories. It is headquartered in Beloit, Wisconsin, and has more than 1,000 locations across the United States and Canada.
The company said it is a 20-time Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award winner and received the 2025 NAW Distributors Award. It also operates ABC Supply Interiors, formerly L&W Supply Corporation, and ABC Supply Outdoor Solutions, a division formerly known as Town & Country Industries.
The next step is the year-end handoff: Vaden and Sullivan will work together through the remainder of the year before Sullivan assumes the CIO position on Jan. 1, 2027.
