Nichols, who currently serves as vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary, will assume his new position effective immediately.
In his new position he will continue his leadership role overseeing the management of Sysco's legal risks, supporting and providing counsel to Sysco and its operating companies, including mergers and acquisitions, securities, contractual issues, and supporting the corporate governance responsibilities of company's Board of Directors.
Nichols, 54, began his Sysco career in 1981 as general counsel at the company's corporate office in Houston, a position he held through 1988. In 1991 he rejoined the company as vice president of management development and human resources and in 1998 he advanced to his current position.
Nichols was born and raised in Birmingham, AL. He is a graduate of Brown University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history in 1974. He then earned his law degree from Emory University in Atlanta in 1977. Nichols served two terms in the Georgia State House of Representatives from 1977 to 1981.
In Houston, Nichols' volunteer efforts have included serving as a board member and chairman of the Houston Food Bank and serving as a trustee on the Houston Police Officers Pension Plan. He currently serves as chairman of the City of Houston's Civil Service Commission. Nichols is a member of the state bars of Texas, Georgia and the District of Columbia.
He and his wife, Marcia, have four children and reside in Houston.
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