Acosta CEO and leadership

Darian Pickett joined Acosta in 1991 as a Business Manager after graduating from the University of North Texas and was appointed CEO in July 2019. Throughout his career, he has contributed to virtually every area of Acosta’s sales business and has held numerous operational positions spanning sales leadership, sales strategy/operations, client services, customer marketing, analytics, business management and retail management functional areas.

His executive leadership roles as Chief Client Officer, President of Sales, President of Strategic Channels and EVP Business Development are a reflection of his responsibility for the total client experience and sales execution across all Acosta lines of business. Darian’s entire Acosta career has provided him broad perspective positioning him for the role of CEO of Acosta's North American Sales Agency.

Over the years, Darian has consistently led by example in exhibiting a steadfast commitment to operating according to the company’s core values, engaging our associates, building deep and trusting client relationships, and ensuring Acosta’s operating model remains sound so we can deliver continued growth.

He lives in Texas with his wife and three children.

CEO, Board Director, Investor and Advisor• Extensive track record for delivering outstanding business results and creating shareholder value. • Successful experience building Iconic brands and new/innovative brands• Extensive operating background leading large manufacturing and service-based businesses. • M&A experience buying/ selling brands, region/ category carve-outs, and companies • Successful experiences in multiple ownership models; private equity, publicly traded global corporations, and privately held businesses.• Board of Director experience / exposure with public, private and non-profit corporations. • Highly collaborative leader with the ability to shape strategy and priorities for complex organizations while driving positive cultural change. • Experienced engaging with key stakeholders including investors, analysts, and Board of Directors.

Strategic General Manager with a proven ability to successfully position businesses and brands for explosive growth. Blends strong marketing, commercial , ecommerce and sales background with an outstanding long-term strategic vision and a proven ability to understand consumer and customer motivation. Passionate leader who inspires teams to exceptional performance.

Most recently, Hart served as CIO and Senior Vice President, Information Systems, for Stein Mart, a national retailer with annual sales of $1.3 billion. In this role, Hart optimized Stein Mart's IT operational and strategic investments through a keen focus on business operations and growth. This work included leveraging technology to transform digital customer-centric solutions such as endless aisle, mobile point of sale and smart fulfillment. Hart also led efforts to implement a hybrid cloud strategy and created a cyber security roadmap.

Prior to Stein Mart, Hart spent 15 years at Petsmart, ultimately serving as interim CIO and Vice President, Information Systems, spearheading the transformation of numerous technology functions. Hart previously held roles with Accenture and the Department of Transportation.

Hart earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics from the University of Texas and completed the Stanford Executive Program through Stanford University's Graduate School of Business.

Building on a solid CFO track record, I am recognized for growing EBITDA as an engaged award-winning strategic, operations and results-focused leader. With experience in multiple industries including transportation, retail/restaurant, and consumer goods, my record is grounded with 20+ years experience. I was recently honored with Power 50, Powerful & Influential Women, and Top 15 Business Woman Awards by the National Diversity Council, and High Impact DBJ CFO of the Year for 2016 and 2019. Having worked in both public and private compannies, my focus incorporates IT, benchmarking, authentic communication, team-building, and hands-on leadership. I am also sought out for public speaking roles in diversity & trade organizations.

✭ STRATEGIC FORWARD-LOOKING FINANCIAL LEADERSHIP: Multi unit restaurant/retail, M&A, Spinoffs, FPA, P&L management, gross margin expansion, diverse industries, cash modeling, cost, planning, strategy, workflow and process, IT & MRP, integrations, synergies, and business line/brand valuations.

✭ BUSINESS PARTNER WITH OPERATIONAL MINDSET: With a passion for best in class, studying strengths and business levers - product, volume, price and cost as compared to benchmarks then collaborating to build successful outcomes with sales, operations & marketing

✭ LEADERSHIP & COMMUNICATION: I am a goal-oriented professional recognized for sound decision-making and mentoring teams to deliver exceptional results. I consistently achieve high employee satisfaction results

Specialties: Board Member, Budgeting, Cash Forecasting, CFO, CPA, Consolidations, Cost, CPG, FPA, Forecasts, Hedging, Risk Management, International, IT, Mergers & Acquisitions, Modeling,Multi Unit Retail, Operations Finance, Planning, POC, Pricing & Promotion, Public Accounting, Restuarant, SEC, Spin-Offs, Strategy, Start-Up to Fortune 500, Thought Leader, Treasury, Turnarounds

Jeremy Benedict joined Acosta in 2020 as Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer.

Jeremy was attracted to Acosta for our strong talent, our commitment to provide best-in-class solutions to clients and customers, and our solid financial position. As an expert in talent-led transformation, he recognizes that Acosta has great clients and customers, and exceptional employees, and is excited to bring those pieces even closer together.

Most recently, Jeremy spent three years in C-level roles at Access, a global provider of information management services. His tenure has included roles as Chief People Officer, Chief People and Strategy Officer, and, most recently, Chief Strategy and Growth Officer. While at Access, Jeremy enabled rapid growth and expanded value to clients by ensuring the company had the right talent in the right roles, focused on the right strategy, and supported by the right culture and operating model.

Jeremy earned a master’s degree in Entrepreneurial Management from The Wharton School and a bachelor’s degree in Finance from The College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, VA.