2010 Top 200 U.S. CEOs

Biography
Richard J. Schnieders, 60, has served as a director of SYSCO since July 1997. Mr. Schnieders has served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of SYSCO since January 2003. He assumed the additional role of President in July 2005, and served in that role until he stepped down on July 1, 2007, when Kenneth F. Spitler was promoted to President. Mr. Schnieders previously served as President from July 2000 through December 2002 and as Chief Operating Officer from January 2000 through December 2002. Mr. Schnieders served as Executive Vice President, Foodservice Operations from January 1999 to July 2000 and as Senior Vice President, Merchandising Services and Multi-Unit Sales from 1997 until January 1999. From 1992 until 1997, he served as Senior Vice President, Merchandising Services. From 1988 until 1992, Mr. Schnieders served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Hardin's-Sysco Food Services, LLC. He has been employed by SYSCO since 1982. Mr. Schnieders is Chairman of the Executive Committee and the Employee Benefits Committee and is also a member of the Finance Committee and the Corporate Sustainability Committee.