Retired Toro CEO to hold new chair in ethics at Opus College of Business
Kendrick (Ken) Melrose, retired CEO and chairman of the Toro Co., will be the first to hold the Thomas and Patricia Holloran Endowed Chair in the Practice of Management and Ethical Leadership at the University of St. Thomas’ Opus College of Business.
The appointment is effective immediately.
Melrose brings more than 35 years of experience to the position. He also chairs the Board of Directors for the Center for Ethical Business Cultures, which is headquartered at the Opus College of Business, and is a member of the college’s Strategic Board of Governors.
Ken Melrose
Melrose joined Toro in 1970 as director of marketing for the company’s consumer products division. He later served as vice president of Toro’s outdoor power equipment group, executive vice president and president. He was appointed chief executive officer in 1983 and chairman of Toro’s board in 1987. He retired from the company in March 2006.
Melrose graduated cum laude from Princeton University . He later received a master of science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Sloan School of Management and a master of business administration from the University of Chicago.
He is known for his efforts to promote the servant-leadership style of management and is author of Making the Grass Greener: A CEO’s Journey to Leading by Serving. He has spoken about his philosophy for years at schools and businesses alike.
“Ken Melrose offers extensive business-leadership expertise at the highest level. Having him interact with our students and faculty is a tremendous resource,” said Dr. Christopher Puto, dean of the Opus College of Business.
“His goal to promote ethics in the business world matches the Opus College’s vision to educate highly principled global business leaders. He will be a great ambassador for the Opus College and will play an important role in maintaining and expanding key relationships in the business community and beyond.”
