McLane Company Inc. opened a new tech hub in Austin, Texas, to “support its technology and AI acceleration strategy and its growing Information Technology and Digital (IT&D) team,” according to a press release.

The company said having a presence in Austin allows it to tap into a large pool of talent to help advance its tech and data strategy. The space will support approximately 100 teammates across cyber, data, AI and cloud engineering.

“McLane is accelerating its digital transformation through strategic technology investments designed to strengthen its intelligent digital foundation for growth and value. Central to this strategy are frictionless experiences, automation services and real-time visibility—enabled by the most advanced AI-powered digital products and solutions,” the company said.

McLane’s IT&D team is led by its new Chief Information & Digital Officer, Murat Genc. “It’s an exciting time to lead McLane’s technology journey,” said Genc. “Our strategic investments in digital supply chain, cloud, data and AI foundation are laying the groundwork for a future-ready logistics, retail and food services model—one that delivers exceptional service, seamless integration and personalized insights across our ecosystem.”

Alongside Genc, four others recently joined the McLane IT&D team:

• Tanya Coutray, vice president and retail CIDO
• Nick Elizondo, vice president of enterprise and supply chain platforms
• Juan Gomez-Sanchez, vice president of cybersecurity
• Sid Kulkarni, vice president of data, analytics and AI

In other recent McLane news, last month the company unveiled HiBird, its new “premium chicken program designed for convenience stores.”

HiBird, part of the McLane Fresh family of brands, includes chicken sandwiches, chicken strips, potato wedges and white cheddar mac and cheese, plus HiBird’s new signature sauce, “a standout take on comeback sauce that’s creamy, tangy, savory and mildly spicy,” the company said.