US Foods mourns sudden passing of board chair
US Foods Holding Corp. Board Chair Robert (Bob) Dutkowsky unexpectedly died yesterday in his home in Florida at the age of 69. Mr. Dutkowsky joined the US Foods Board in January 2017 and served as board chair for the company since February 2022, including executive chairman from May 2022 to January 2023.
The US Foods board has appointed David Tehle as board chair effective immediately.
“It is with a very heavy heart that I announce Bob’s passing,” said Dave Flitman, CEO. “Bob was a steadfast leader of our board, trusted mentor to me and thought partner to our esteemed board members. He provided sound advice and counsel, and contributed immense value to our company, our strategy and our people. While I am deeply saddened by this news, I am also incredibly grateful for Bob’s leadership and friendship. On behalf of our board of directors, management team and associates, we extend our deepest sympathies to Bob’s family.”
Mr. Dutkowsky was the former executive chairman of Tech Data Corp. from 2018 to 2020 and served as its CEO from 2006 to 2018. Prior to joining Tech Data, Dutkowsky served as president, CEO and chairman of the board of directors of Egenera Inc.; president, CEO and chairman of the board of directors of J.D. Edwards & Co. Inc.; and president, CEO and chairman of the board of directors of GenRad; and held executive roles at EMC Corp.
Mr. Dutkowsky began his career at IBM and had a bachelor's degree from Cornell University. In addition to serving on the US Foods board, he held a number of public company and other key directorships.
Mr. Dutkowsky is survived by his wife, Lorraine; daughter, Jen; son, Kevin; daughter-in-law, Julie; and grandchildren Davis and Emma.
Tehle has served as a director of US Foods since July 2016 and most recently as chair of audit committee and as a member of the Compensation and Human Capital Committee. Tehle was executive vice president and chief financial officer of Dollar General Corp. from 2004 to 2015.
Prior to Dollar General, Tehle was chief financial officer of Haggar Corp. from 1997 to 2004 and held finance positions at several companies, including Ryder System Inc. and Texas Instruments Inc. He currently serves on the board of directors of National Vision Holdings Inc. and previously served on the boards of directors of Jack in the Box Inc. and Genesco Inc.
Top photo: Robert (Bob) Dutkowsky
