Performance Food Group CEO Scott McPherson Named to Virginia Business Power 50

Virginia Business included Scott McPherson on its 2026 "Virginia Power 50" list published in early March 2026, citing him among the state’s most influential business leaders after he formally assumed the chief executive role at Performance Food Group on Jan. 1, 2026. The recognition lands as Richmond-headquartered PFG—one of North America’s largest foodservice distributors that serves more than 300,000 customer sites—presses ahead under new leadership that will affect regional supply chains and foodservice customers, including Goochland restaurants and institutions.

The succession was announced in a press release dated Dec. 18, 2025 that set the changes effective Jan. 1, 2026, and moved longtime CEO George Holm into the role of Executive Chair of the Board of Directors. Holm said, “It has been a privilege to be CEO of PFG, and I am proud of all that we have accomplished together. With a strong team, a clear strategic vision and positive business momentum, now is the right time to implement our succession plan and the next phase of leadership for the company.” Holm added, “Having worked closely with Scott, I have seen firsthand how he prioritizes people and customers, bringing a relentless pursuit of value creation. I believe the future of PFG is bright under Scott’s leadership and I look forward to continuing to work alongside him and the rest of the board in my new role as executive chair.”

Manuel A. Fernandez, lead independent director of PFG’s board, framed the change as planned governance: “The transition follows a multi-year succession planning process and supports the company’s strategy outlined at its 2025 investor day.” The press release states McPherson, who was president and chief operating officer before Jan. 1, 2026, will also be appointed as a member of PFG’s board when he takes the CEO role.

McPherson’s rise through PFG is charted in company filings and trade reports: he became chief field operations officer in January 2024 with oversight of Performance Foodservice, Core‑Mark and Vistar, was promoted to president and COO in January 2025, and succeeds Holm as CEO effective Jan. 1, 2026. McPherson previously served as CEO of Core‑Mark and brings more than 30 years of experience in sales, marketing, supply chain management and operations. Trade coverage credits him with pushing technology upgrades for customer communications and order fulfillment and with outlining plans to manufacture more proprietary products rather than relying on outside private‑label suppliers.

The company’s footprint underscores the local economic stakes. PFG, headquartered in Richmond, operates in more than 150 locations, employs approximately 43,000 associates, and is described as a Fortune 100 company. Transport Topics ranks PFG No. 4 on its Top 100 list of the largest private carriers in North America, and the company operates five of the top 21 food service carrier brands: Performance Food Service, Core‑Mark, Vistar, Cheney Brothers and Merchants Foodservice.

The leadership shuffle comes against a backdrop of recent M&A tension. Trade reporting notes PFG and US Foods called off merger talks less than one month before the CEO selection, and coverage summarized activist investor pressure from Sachem Head, which publicly sought four of the 12 board seats after PFG rebuffed acquisition overtures. Foodaway reported that PFG and US Foods agreed to appoint a panel of third‑party representatives to assess merger benefits and detriments. Holm’s executive chair duties will include working with McPherson on M&A activities, customer relationships and strategic oversight, per the press release.

Foodaway additionally reported that a successor to the president and COO role had not been named as of late December 2025. Goochland observers and regional supply‑chain partners should watch whether PFG names a replacement, how the board responds to activist pressure, and how McPherson’s emphasis on in‑house manufacturing and inbound warehouse technology alters sourcing and distribution for the county’s restaurants, schools and foodservice sites.