Print Version
E-mail This StoryThe 5,700 employees at Electronic Data Systems (EDS) have a new captain of their technology ship.
EDS, which has been based in Plano since 1985, announced Tuesday that current president and chief operating Officer Ron Rittenmeyer will take over the position of chief executive officer Sept. 1.
Michael H. Jordan, who has served as EDS’ chairman and chief executive officer since March 2003, will continue to serve as chairman and as an executive officer of the company, also effective Sept. 1.
Rittenmeyer, 60, was also elected to the company’s board of directors, effective immediately.
Liz Bonet, spokesperson for EDS, said there are no plans to fill the COO position at this time.
“The board of directors had an established succession plan and decided now was the right time to implement it,” Bonet said. “It was a smooth transition plan. Mike and Ron have a long standing partnership and have worked together for many years.”
Bonet said the company is expecting great achievements from Rittenmeyer, because he is a strong veteran leader.
“He has accelerated the company’s growth initiative and driven its operation transformation,” Bonet said.
In a Tuesday EDS press release, Jordan said Rittenmeyer has been instrumental in driving the company’s turnaround.
“There’s no better person to lead EDS at this pivotal stage in its 45-year history than Ron,” Jordan said. “His leadership and operational experience, deep industry knowledge and intense dedication to clients will be tremendous assets as the company begins a new era.”
Rittenmeyer joined EDS in 2005 as executive vice president of service delivery and was later promoted to chief operating officer. In December 2006, he was appointed president and chief operating officer.
Bonet said Rittenmeyer brings more than 30 years of business and leadership experience to his new role.
Before joining EDS, he served as managing director of The Cypress Group, a private equity firm. Rittenmeyer also served as chairman, chief executive officer and president of Safety-Kleen Inc., a hazardous and industrial waste management company.
Prior to Safety-Kleen, Rittenmeyer was CEO and president of AmeriServe, where he led the restructuring and sale of the $10 billion food services company. Before that, he served as chairman, CEO and president of RailTex, Inc., a leading short line railroad holding company acquired by RailAmerica in 2000; president and COO of Ryder TRS, Inc., a truck rental company; and COO of Burlington Northern Railroad.
During his career, Rittenmeyer has also been in numerous senior executive positions, including serving as vice president of operations at Frito-Lay, Inc.; vice president Middle East and Worldwide Operations at PepsiCo Food International; and president and COO of Merisel.
Rittenmeyer earned a bachelor degree from Wilkes University and his MBA from Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Mo.
“Given Ron’s track record of success and his unwavering commitment to drive results for clients and shareholders, the board and I believe this is the right time to implement EDS’ established succession plan with Ron at the helm,” Jordan said.
Contact Stephanie Flemmons at sflemmons@acnpapers.com
