Richard K. Davis, 2015 Opus Distinguished Speaker

Minnesota Businesses and Top Executive Earn Honors for Ethics

A Minnesota banking executive and several local companies were recently recognized for ethics influence and excellence by Ethisphere, a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices that fuel corporate character, marketplace trust and business success.

Richard K. Davis, chairman, president and CEO of U.S. Bancorp, was named as one of 2015’s 100 Most Influential People in Business Ethics, a list that recognizes leaders who made a material impact in the world of business ethics and compliance. “Richard Davis understands that ethics are good for business and that organizations that build trust with their consumers help the economy grow," said Ron James, president and CEO of the Center for Ethical Business Cultures (CEBC) at the University of St. Thomas. "Richard is a powerful role model for business leaders as well as for our students and alumni, many of whom are employed by U.S. Bank.” Ron James was named to the Ethisphere 100 Most Influential People in Business Ethics in 2010.  Ken Goodpaster, a senior academic fellow with CEBC, made the list in 2014.

Also receiving top honors on Ethisphere's list of most ethical companies for 2015 were 3M, Ecolab, Thrivent Financial and U.S. Bancorp.  The organizations, each headquartered in Minnesota, joined 128 other global companies representing a wide variety of industries.

“We are delighted to see four of our Fortune 500 partners on the Ethisphere list," said Stefanie Lenway, dean of the Opus College of Business. "Ethisphere’s focus on corporate character and integrity aligns with our own work to advance the practice of principled leadership through academic research, student development and executive training.”

The Opus College of Business believes that the purpose of business – any business – is to advance the common good by thinking critically, acting wisely and working skillfully in whatever capacity you serve. Find out more about our research and programs in the field of ethics.