Toro's president joins the board

The Toro Company has elected Richard Olson, its current president and COO, to its board of directors, effective immediately.

Olson has been in place as president and COO since September 2015, though he's been with the company since 1986.

He spent his first 14 years with the company succeeding through various leadership roles in operations, including as commercial engineering program manager; director of plant operations at Toro’s facility in Shakopee, Minnesota; and managing director of Northern manufacturing operations. His executive roles at the company have included VP Exmark, VP international business, and group VP, international business, micro-irrigation business and distributor development.

"The rich company knowledge and broad experience that Rick has gained through his leadership of our businesses and manufacturing operations provide him with a unique strategic perspective and we are pleased to have him join the board,” said Michael Hoffman, Toro’s chairman and CEO.

With Olson's addition, the board now consists of 10 members.