The Toro Company looked within for its next president and chief operating officer.
Edric Funk (right) is a 29-year Toro employee and has served as vice president of the golf, grounds and irrigation group since 2022. His appointment as president and COO is effective Sept. 1, and he will report to CEO Richard Olson.
"Edric's track record of driving business performance and fostering innovation uniquely equips him for the role of chief operating officer," Olson said. "Throughout his tenure, Edric has consistently delivered strong financial results and value creation across diverse technical and business functions – directly contributing to our growth and competitive position. His deep understanding of our customers, and technologies coupled with a disciplined strategic approach, will continue to propel The Toro Company forward and create value for all stakeholders."
Since joining Toro in 1996 as a design engineer, Funk had held roles in marketing as well as in the company's residential, landscape contractor, international and commercial businesses.
In 2014, he was named director of global product management for the commercial and international businesses, and in 2017 was named managing director of Toro's Center for Technology, Research and Innovation. Funk went on to become the general manager of the Sitework Systems business in 2020, before being promoted three years ago to VP of golf, grounds and irrigation.
Funk was instrumental in the acquisitions of Left Hand Robotics and TURFLYNX, accelerating the development of robotic mowing platforms. In 2020, he was named one of the most innovative people in golf by Golf, Inc.
Funk received a bachelor's degree in engineering and an MBA from the University of Minnesota. He also has a professional certificate in innovation and technology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and serves on the boards of the National Golf Foundation, The Toro Company Foundation and Red Iron Acceptance.
"I am honored to serve in this role," said Funk, "and I look forward to working alongside our talented team to drive operational performance across our businesses, with a focus on accelerating profitable growth, advancing the company's technology roadmap and optimizing global supply chain operations."