David E. Flitman, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of US Foods Holding Corp., is a seasoned leader with over 35 years of experience in manufacturing, distribution, and operational excellence. Since taking on the role in January 2023, Flitman has been instrumental in driving growth and innovation at US Foods, one of the largest foodservice distributors in the United States.
In this post, we’ll provide a detailed breakdown of David Flitman’s salary, net worth, and career achievements, along with insights into how his compensation compares to industry peers.
Who Is David E. Flitman?
Background and Career Journey
David Flitman brings a wealth of experience to his role as CEO of US Foods. His career spans decades across multiple industries, including food distribution, chemicals, and utilities. Here’s a snapshot of his professional journey:
- Builders FirstSource (2021–2022): Served as CEO of the largest U.S. supplier of building products, overseeing annual revenues of $20 billion.
- BMC Stock Holdings (2018–2021): Held the position of CEO before the company merged with Builders FirstSource.
- Performance Food Group (2015–2018): Served as Executive Vice President and CEO of its Performance Foodservice division.
- Univar Corporation (2012–2014): Held leadership roles as COO and President of USA & Mexico.
- Ecolab Inc. (2011–2012): Worked as Executive Vice President, focusing on water, hygiene, and energy technologies.
- DuPont (1985–2005): Spent nearly 20 years in operational and commercial leadership roles.
Educational Background
David Flitman earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Purdue University, which provided a strong foundation for his career in operational management and distribution.
Personal Interests
Flitman is passionate about supporting U.S. military veterans and other charitable causes. His son, Josh, served as a U.S. Army CAV Scout, which has further deepened his commitment to military-related initiatives.
US Foods CEO Salary Breakdown
David E. Flitman’s compensation as CEO of US Foods reflects his extensive experience and the responsibilities of leading a Fortune 500 company. Below is a detailed breakdown of his 2024 earnings:
2024 Compensation
- Base Salary: $1,300,000 (fixed annual pay).
- Bonuses and Incentives: A significant portion of his compensation comes from performance-based bonuses.
- Stock Awards: A large component of his total compensation is tied to equity awards, aligning his interests with the company’s shareholders.
- Total Compensation: $11,250,707, which includes all components such as salary, bonuses, stock options, and other benefits.
Comparison to Average Employee Pay
- Median Employee Pay: $93,410/year.
- Average Executive Compensation at US Foods: $237,301/year.
This comparison highlights the significant disparity between CEO pay and average employee earnings, a common trend in large corporations.
How Does David Flitman’s Salary Compare to Industry Peers?
David Flitman’s compensation is competitive within the foodservice and distribution industry. Here’s how his pay stacks up against other industry leaders:
- Sysco Corporation CEO: Earned approximately $24 million in total compensation in 2024.
- Performance Food Group CEO: Reported earnings of $10 million in 2024.
- Median CEO Pay at S&P 500 Companies: $18.9 million in 2024, reflecting a 7% increase from the previous year.
While Flitman’s total compensation is below the S&P 500 average, it aligns closely with other CEOs in the food distribution sector.
David Flitman’s Net Worth
Estimated Net Worth
David Flitman’s net worth is estimated to be between $30 million and $50 million as of 2025. This estimate is based on:
- Annual Compensation: His salary and bonuses as CEO of US Foods.
- Stock Holdings: Equity awards and shares in US Foods and other companies he has led.
- Past Earnings: Compensation from previous roles at Builders FirstSource, Performance Food Group, and other organizations.
Factors Influencing Net Worth
- Stock Performance: A significant portion of his wealth is tied to the performance of US Foods’ stock.
- Investments: Likely includes personal investments and other financial assets.
US Foods Financial Performance Under David Flitman
David Flitman’s leadership has had a positive impact on US Foods’ financial performance. Here are some key highlights:
- 2024 Total Earnings: $494 million, reflecting strong revenue growth and operational efficiency.
- Market Position: US Foods remains one of the top foodservice distributors in the U.S., competing with Sysco and Performance Food Group.
- Innovation: Flitman has focused on leveraging technology to improve supply chain efficiency and customer service.
His ability to drive growth while maintaining profitability has been a cornerstone of his tenure as CEO.
Public Opinion on US Foods CEO Salary
Supporters’ Perspective
Supporters argue that Flitman’s compensation is justified given his extensive experience and the scale of his responsibilities. They highlight his proven track record of driving growth and creating shareholder value.
Critics’ Perspective
Critics often point to the disparity between executive pay and average employee wages. While this is a common critique of corporate America, Flitman’s compensation is largely tied to performance metrics, ensuring alignment with the company’s success.
Historical Trends in US Foods CEO Salaries
David Flitman’s compensation reflects broader trends in executive pay at US Foods and similar companies:
- Previous US Foods CEOs: Compensation packages have generally included a mix of salary, bonuses, and stock awards.
- S&P 500 Trends: CEO pay at S&P 500 companies increased by 7% in 2024, with an average total compensation of $18.9 million.
Flitman’s salary is consistent with these trends, balancing competitive pay with performance-based incentives.
Leadership Impact and Corporate Responsibility
Operational Excellence
Flitman’s focus on operational efficiency has helped US Foods streamline its supply chain and improve service delivery. His experience in manufacturing and distribution has been instrumental in achieving these goals.
Sustainability Initiatives
Under Flitman’s leadership, US Foods has continued to prioritize sustainability, including efforts to reduce food waste and minimize its environmental footprint.
Community Engagement
Flitman is committed to supporting charitable causes, particularly those related to military veterans. This aligns with US Foods’ broader corporate social responsibility initiatives.
Key Takeaways
- CEO Salary: David Flitman earned $11.25 million in total compensation in 2024, including a base salary of $1.3 million.
- Net Worth: Estimated at $30–$50 million, driven by salary, stock awards, and past earnings.
- Comparison: His earnings align with industry peers, reflecting his leadership and the company’s financial performance.
- Leadership Impact: Flitman has successfully driven growth and innovation at US Foods, ensuring its position as a leader in the foodservice distribution industry.
FAQs
- Who is the CEO of US Foods?
David E. Flitman has been the CEO of US Foods since January 2023.
- What is David Flitman’s annual salary?
In 2024, Flitman earned a base salary of $1.3 million, with total compensation of $11.25 million.
- How much is David Flitman’s net worth?
His net worth is estimated to be $30–$50 million.
- How does his salary compare to other CEOs?
Flitman’s compensation is competitive within the food distribution industry but below the S&P 500 average CEO pay.
- What factors influence his compensation?
Flitman’s pay is tied to US Foods’ financial performance, stock price, and operational success.
Conclusion
David E. Flitman’s salary and net worth reflect his extensive experience and the responsibilities of leading a Fortune 500 company. As US Foods continues to grow under his leadership, Flitman’s compensation aligns with the company’s success and strategic goals. Whether you’re an investor, employee, or industry observer, understanding executive compensation provides valuable insights into corporate performance and priorities.