# Robert C. Sledd

> Robert C. Sledd, often known as Bob Sledd, co-founded the group that became Performance Food Group in 1987 and served two periods as CEO, as well as chairman from 1995 to 2008. Based in Richmond, Virginia, he later served as senior economic advisor to Governor Bob McDonnell from January 2010 to January 2014. He is managing partner of Sledd Properties and a director of Universal Corporation, with a public record of involvement in housing, business education and regional economic development.

- **Role:** Managing Partner at Sledd Properties, LLC; Director at Universal Corporation
- **Organizations:** Performance Food Group, Taylor & Sledd Industries, Sledd Properties, LLC, Pinnacle Ventures, LLC, Universal Corporation, Pool Corporation, Office of the Governor of Virginia, VCU School of Business Foundation, Homeward, Better Housing Coalition, Venture Richmond, New Richmond Ventures
- **Nationality:** American
- **Education:** Bachelor of Arts, University of Tennessee
- **Known for:** Co-founded PFG in 1987 and led it during its development into a national foodservice distributor., Regional Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year winner and national finalist with C. Michael Gray in 2003., Greater Richmond Business Hall of Fame inductee in 2007.

## Career timeline

- **1974** — Began serving as a director of Taylor & Sledd Industries, a predecessor of PFG.
- **1984–1987** — President and CEO of Taylor & Sledd Industries.
- **1987** — Co-founded the group that became PFG and became its president and CEO.
- **1993** — PFG completed its initial public offering on Nasdaq.
- **1995** — Became chairman of PFG; continued as CEO.
- **1996–2024** — Served as a director of Pool Corporation; retired in May 2024.
- **2001** — Ended first PFG CEO tenure in August; remained chairman. Became managing partner of Sledd Properties.
- **2003** — With C. Michael Gray, won a regional Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award and became a national finalist.
- **2004–2006** — Returned as PFG CEO in March 2004; Steven Spinner succeeded him in 2006.
- **2007** — Inducted into the Greater Richmond Business Hall of Fame.
- **2008** — PFG was taken private in June; his chairmanship ended.
- **2009** — Began service as a Universal Corporation director.
- **2010–2014** — Senior Economic Advisor to Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell, January 2010 to January 2014.
- **2011** — Co-chaired Housing Opportunities Made Equal of Virginia’s 40th anniversary celebration with Judy Anderson.

## Achievements

- Co-founded PFG in 1987 and led it during its development into a national foodservice distributor.
- Regional Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year winner and national finalist with C. Michael Gray in 2003.
- Greater Richmond Business Hall of Fame inductee in 2007.
- Helped establish a Virginia advisory committee to develop a statewide plan addressing homelessness.
- Founding trustee of the VCU Business Foundation.

## Latest updates

- **2026-07** — Universal’s 2026 proxy continued to list Sledd as a director and managing partner of Sledd Properties.
- **2024-05** — Retired from Pool Corporation’s board after serving since 1996.

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/robert-sledd
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Last updated: 2026-10-23