Robert E. Rich Jr.

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Robert E. Rich Jr., known as Bob Rich, is an American businessman, philanthropist and writer. He is the chairman and majority owner of Rich Products (Rich’s), a food company based in Buffalo, New York.

Education and early career
- Born January 25, 1941.
- He graduated from Williams College in 1963 with a bachelor’s degree and earned an MBA from the Simon Business School at the University of Rochester in 1969.
- In 1964 he joined Rich Products as president of Rich Products of Canada, a startup subsidiary.
- He served in the United States National Guard from 1963 to 1969.
- In 1969, after moving to the company’s U.S. headquarters, he helped start the marketing department and became vice president of sales and marketing.
- He became president of Rich’s in 1978.
- When his father died in 2006, Rich Jr. became chairman of Rich Products.

Sports, business and philanthropy
- In 1969 he joined the Buffalo Sabres as an investor and board member, later becoming Vice Chairman.
- In 1983 Rich’s bought the Buffalo Bisons, the minor league baseball team. Rich’s also owns the Northwest Arkansas Naturals and the West Virginia Black Bears, and Rich Jr. chairs all three teams.
- He is a member of the Trustees Council of the University of Rochester.

Industry leadership and Cleveland Clinic
- Rich has led several industry groups, including the National Frozen Food Association, the Uniform Code Council (bar codes), the Grocery Manufacturers Association, and Enactus.
- He joined the Cleveland Clinic board in 2002 and led philanthropy and fundraising that raised more than $1.5 billion. He served as chairman of the Clinic from 2011 to 2019 and remains involved as chairman emeritus. He also helped with the Centennial Campaign that raised about $2.5 billion.

Writing and family
- Rich has written five books, with all proceeds donated to charities. He co-wrote a sixth book. His fifth book, Looking Through Water, is being adapted into a film.
- He is married to Mindy Rich, who is vice chairwoman of Rich’s and has worked at the company for more than 37 years. They have four children. Politically, Rich is an Independent.