Tony Bender, Global CIO
Professional Overview
Tony Bender is a seasoned technology executive with over 35 years of experience leading transformative initiatives and driving operational excellence across diverse industries. As the Global Chief Information Officer (CIO) at Culligan, he is responsible for spearheading the company's technology strategy, overseeing the implementation of cutting-edge solutions, and aligning IT capabilities with business objectives. Additionally, Bender serves as a Board Member for Pure CIT Ltd. at Culligan, providing strategic guidance and oversight to the organization's critical IT infrastructure and cybersecurity initiatives.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Global CIO at Culligan, Tony Bender is responsible for the strategic management and implementation of the company's technology roadmap. In this role, he has overseen the successful integration of several acquired businesses, ensuring seamless IT integration and operational continuity. Bender has also led the implementation of enterprise-wide cloud-based solutions, streamlining processes and driving cost optimization. Under his leadership, Culligan has achieved significant improvements in operational efficiency, data-driven decision-making, and customer experience.
In addition to his CIO responsibilities, Bender serves as an Operations Advisor for Technology and Value Creation at Advent, where he leverages his extensive expertise to advise on technology-driven business transformation initiatives. He is also the CEO and Founder of EBITDA Consulting Partners LLC, a boutique consulting firm that specializes in helping organizations optimize their operations and enhance their financial performance.
Career Progression
Prior to his current roles, Bender held several senior IT leadership positions, including Global CIO (Interim) at Culligan, Global CIO and Business Transformation Officer at Edgewell Personal Care, and Global CIO and VP of Global Business Services at Edgewell Personal Care. He has also served as the Global CIO at Energizer Holdings, VP of IT at Unilever, and CIO at Alberto Culver, The Relizon Company, Dan River Inc., and Springs Global, U.S.
Throughout his distinguished career, Bender has demonstrated a track record of driving transformative change, optimizing operational efficiency, and aligning IT strategies with business goals. He has consistently delivered measurable improvements in productivity, cost savings, and customer satisfaction for the organizations he has served.
Academic Background
Tony Bender holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from the University of Texas at Austin, where he graduated with honors.
Areas of Expertise
- Enterprise-wide technology strategy and implementation
- IT infrastructure optimization and cloud migration
- Business process automation and digital transformation
- Mergers and acquisitions integration
- Financial and operational performance optimization
- Cybersecurity and risk management
- Transformational leadership and change management
Professional Impact
Bender's expertise and leadership have been instrumental in driving significant business impact for the organizations he has served. At Energizer Holdings, he spearheaded the implementation of a global enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, resulting in a 25% reduction in operational costs. During his tenure at Edgewell Personal Care, he led the integration of multiple acquired businesses, achieving a 30% improvement in IT service delivery and a 15% reduction in overall IT spending.
Bender's contributions extend beyond his direct responsibilities, as he actively shares his insights and best practices with the broader industry. He has been a frequent speaker at technology and business conferences, addressing topics such as digital transformation, IT governance, and technology-enabled business value creation.
Conclusion
With his extensive experience, deep technical expertise, and proven track record of driving transformative change, Tony Bender is a strategic and innovative technology leader. In his current role as the Global CIO at Culligan, he continues to leverage his multifaceted skillset to enhance the company's operational efficiency, strengthen its competitive position, and deliver exceptional value to its customers and stakeholders.
