The Toro Company Appoints Edric C. Funk as President and COO
The Toro Company , a global leader in solutions for outdoor environments including turf maintenance, landscape, rental and construction equipment, irrigation systems, and snow and ice management products, today announced that its board of directors has appointed Edric C. Funk as President and Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective September 1, 2025. In this elevated leadership role, Funk will oversee all of the company’s worldwide business divisions and integrated supply chain operations, continuing to report directly to Richard M. Olson, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
The announcement marks a significant milestone for The Toro Company, a firm with more than a century of innovation and customer service. Funk’s appointment reflects both his long-standing contributions to the company’s growth and his proven ability to lead complex, global operations while driving technological advancement.
A Career Built on Innovation and Results
Funk, who joined The Toro Company in 1996 as a design engineer, has amassed nearly three decades of experience within the organization. Over the years, he has held increasingly senior positions, demonstrating expertise in engineering, marketing, product management, and strategic leadership. His early work in design engineering provided a strong technical foundation, while his transition to marketing in 2003 broadened his understanding of customer needs and market dynamics.
From his tenure in the Residential, Landscape Contractor, International, and Commercial segments, Funk developed a global perspective on the business. By 2014, he had advanced to Director of Global Product Management for the Commercial and International divisions, where he shaped product portfolios to align with both evolving customer demands and The Toro Company’s long-term growth strategy.
In 2017, Funk became Managing Director of the company’s Center for Technology, Research & Innovation (CTRI), leading efforts to explore new technologies, enhance product performance, and foster collaboration across disciplines. His work at CTRI positioned The Toro Company at the forefront of emerging trends in automation, connectivity, and sustainability.
By 2020, Funk was promoted to General Manager of the Sitework Systems business, where he drove operational excellence and spearheaded initiatives to enhance productivity and market share. Two years later, in 2022, he assumed the role of Group Vice President of Golf, Grounds, and Irrigation—a position from which he has overseen some of the company’s most recognizable and technologically advanced product lines.
Driving Technological Transformation
Funk has been a driving force behind The Toro Company’s technological evolution, particularly in the realm of robotics, automation, and integrated smart systems. His leadership was instrumental in the strategic acquisitions of Left Hand Robotics and TURFLYNX, two companies whose advanced robotic mowing platforms have since been integrated into Toro’s portfolio. These moves not only expanded the company’s capabilities in autonomous solutions but also solidified its competitive edge in the rapidly growing smart turf management market.
In addition, Funk established The Toro Company Technology Forum, a cross-functional initiative designed to strengthen the company’s global technology community. This platform has facilitated collaboration between engineers, product managers, and external partners, ensuring that innovation remains embedded in every stage of product development.
By championing integrated smart systems, Funk has helped deliver more comprehensive solutions to customers—systems that combine hardware, software, and connectivity to optimize efficiency, conserve resources, and enhance user experience. These efforts align with broader industry trends toward data-driven, sustainable practices, particularly in golf course maintenance, sports field management, and large-scale irrigation systems.
Recognition and Industry Influence
Funk’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. In 2020, Golf, Inc. recognized him as one of the Most Innovative People in Golf, a testament to his role in transforming turf maintenance technologies and shaping the future of the sport’s infrastructure. His ability to anticipate market needs, guide R&D priorities, and foster collaborative relationships with customers has cemented his reputation as both a visionary and a results-oriented leader.
Executive Endorsement
“Edric’s track record of driving business performance and fostering innovation uniquely equips him for the role of chief operating officer,” said Richard M. Olson, Chairman and CEO of The Toro Company. “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.”
Olson’s remarks underscore the company’s confidence that Funk will continue building on Toro’s legacy of quality, reliability, and customer focus while accelerating initiatives in digital transformation, sustainability, and operational excellence.
Vision for the Future
In accepting his new role, Funk expressed both humility and determination.
“I am honored to serve in this role, 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,” Funk said.
His vision is firmly rooted in the company’s long-standing mission: to help customers enrich the beauty, productivity, and sustainability of the land. In the coming years, Funk is expected to focus on three key priorities:
- Profitable Growth – Expanding The Toro Company’s global reach, entering new markets, and strengthening customer relationships.
- Technology Roadmap – Accelerating innovation in robotics, smart irrigation, battery-powered equipment, and connected systems.
- Global Supply Chain Optimization – Enhancing efficiency, resilience, and sustainability across the company’s manufacturing and distribution networks.
Educational and Professional Background
Funk holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the University of Minnesota and an MBA from the University of Minnesota – Carlson School of Management. He also completed a professional certificate in Innovation and Technology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), underscoring his commitment to lifelong learning and technological leadership.
In addition to his corporate responsibilities, Funk contributes to the broader industry and community through service on the boards of the National Golf Foundation, The Toro Company Foundation, and Red Iron Acceptance. His board work reflects a deep commitment to advancing the game of golf, supporting community initiatives, and strengthening financial partnerships for Toro’s customers and dealers.
About The Toro Company
Founded in 1914, The Toro Company has grown from a small tractor engine manufacturer to a globally recognized provider of innovative solutions for outdoor environments. Headquartered in Bloomington, Minnesota, the company serves a wide range of customers—including golf courses, professional contractors, groundskeepers, sports facilities, agricultural producers, rental companies, and homeowners—across more than 125 countries.
The company’s portfolio includes some of the industry’s most trusted brands, delivering products and services in turf and landscape maintenance, snow and ice management, underground utility construction, rental and specialty construction, and irrigation and lighting solutions. With a strong emphasis on sustainability, The Toro Company continues to develop technologies and practices that conserve resources, reduce environmental impact, and help customers meet evolving regulatory and operational demands.
