UR graduate Petz, CEO of Sherwin-Williams, to give commencement address

Heidi Petz, president and chief executive officer of Sherwin-Williams and a 1997 University of Richmond graduate, will address 2024 graduates of the university's School of Arts & Sciences, Robins School of Business, and Jepson School of Leadership Studies during their May 12 commencement.

Petz earned a bachelor's degree in leadership studies at Richmond and began her career with Sherwin-Williams in 2017, holding a variety of positions before becoming president of the Consumer Brands Group in 2021. She has also served as president of The Americas Group and has held leadership roles with Newell Rubbermaid, Target Corporation, and PricewaterhouseCoopers. Petz sits on the boards of Ulta Beauty and the University Hospitals Health System and is a member of the Policy Advisory Board of the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University.

“As a proud graduate of the University of Richmond, I’m truly honored to be the 2024 Commencement Speaker and connect with this incredible class of future leaders,” said Petz. “I look forward to sharing some of my experiences with them that best embody bringing this wonderful education and preparation into the real world."

“The University of Richmond benefits from an incredible network of accomplished alumni who bring pride to our University community,” said UR President Kevin F. Hallock. “They regularly pass on insights that serve our graduates well and celebrate the shared, unique, and wonderful experience of being Richmond Spiders. Heidi is an outstanding leader, and I look forward to welcoming her back to campus to inspire our graduates.”