Home / Business and Economy / Toro Veteran Promoted to President and COO, Stearns Bank Hires Sustainable Energy Leader
Toro Veteran Promoted to President and COO, Stearns Bank Hires Sustainable Energy Leader
17 Aug
Summary
- Toro appoints 29-year company veteran Edric C. Funk as new president and COO
- Stearns Bank hires Heather Braithwaite as VP and director of sustainable energy
- Hormel Foods promotes Paul Peil, hires Christie Crouch for marketing leadership roles
As of August 17, 2025, several Midwest-based companies have announced key leadership changes. The Toro Company, a Bloomington-based manufacturer of lawn mowers and snow removal equipment, has appointed Edric C. Funk as its new president and chief operating officer, effective September 1st. Funk is a 29-year veteran of the company, most recently serving as group vice president of Golf, Grounds and Irrigation.
Stearns Bank, headquartered in St. Cloud, Minnesota, has hired Heather Braithwaite as its new vice president and director of sustainable energy. Prior to joining Stearns Bank, Braithwaite held the role of chief investment officer at the Collective Clean Energy Fund.
Additionally, Hormel Foods Corporation, an Austin, Minnesota-based provider of grocery store prepared food brands, has made several leadership appointments within its Retail business segment. Paul Peil, a 35-year company veteran, has been promoted to vice president of marketing for Fresh and Ready Meats. The company has also brought on Christie Crouch as the new vice president of marketing for Snacking and Entertaining. Crouch most recently served as vice president and general manager at Conagra Brands.
