The University of St. Thomas Opus College of Business in Minneapolis continues its advance as one of the country's leading schools in business ethics education by naming Kendrick (Ken) Melrose as the inaugural holder of the Thomas and Patricia Holloran Endowed Chair in the Practice of Management and Ethical Leadership. The retired CEO and chairman of The Toro Company joins the Opus College of Business effective immediately.
Melrose brings more than 35 years of experience to his new, non-research position at the University of St. Thomas Opus College of Business, a role which will involve cultivating relationships in the business world and furthering the college's reputation for preparing future business leaders whose values will enhance business's contribution to society. Melrose also serves as chairman of the board of directors for the Center for Ethical Business Cultures at the University of St. Thomas Opus College of Business, a membership organization that assists business leaders in developing practical, productive and responsible relationships with key stakeholders. He is currently a member of the college's strategic board of governors.
Melrose joined Toro in 1970 as director of marketing for the consumer products division, went on to serve as vice president of the company's outdoor power equipment group in 1976, was promoted to executive vice president in 1980 and was named president in 1981. He was appointed chief executive officer in 1983 and became chairman of Toro's board in 1987. He retired from his post at Toro in March 2006. Prior to joining Toro, Melrose was director of corporate planning at Bayfield Technologies Inc. and worked in The Pillsbury Company's new products division.
No stranger to higher education, Melrose graduated cum laude from Princeton University, received a master of science degree from Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Sloan School of Management and received an MBA from the University of Chicago. He is well known for his servant leadership style, which left an indelible mark on The Toro Company and the greater business community. Melrose, the author of “Making the Grass Greener: A CEO's Journey to Leading by Serving”, has toured schools and businesses alike for years speaking about his philosophy of leading by serving.
"Ken Melrose offers extensive business leadership expertise at the highest level. Having him interact with our students and faculty is a tremendous resource," said Christopher Puto, dean of the University of St. Thomas 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."
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