Toro names Neal Lackritz chief technology officer
The Toro Co. has named Neal M. Lackritz vice president and chief technology officer, effective Nov. 2.
In the newly created role, Lackritz will lead the company’s enterprise technology strategy, overseeing its global engineering organization and Center for Technology, Research and Innovation. His responsibilities will include advancing autonomous, alternative-power and connected solutions.
The company said the position is intended to align technology strategies and investments across its business portfolio, streamline platforms and support profitable growth.
“Built on a foundation of innovation and engineering excellence, The Toro Company has long focused on helping customers tackle their most important challenges,” said Edric C. Funk, president and chief operating officer. “That commitment continues as we improve the products our customers trust today, while also developing integrated solutions that will define the future, strengthen our market leadership, and deliver added efficiency and productivity for our customers.”
“I am excited to welcome Neal to The Toro Company and our leadership team. Throughout his career, he has built and transformed high-performing engineering organizations by uniting teams around clear priorities, shared technology platforms, and disciplined execution. Neal’s collaborative leadership, passion for developing teams, and ability to build alignment across organizations position us well to advance our technology strategy, accelerate innovation, and create meaningful value for customers and shareholders.”
Lackritz brings more than 30 years of technology leadership experience in the automotive, robotics, outdoor equipment and consumer hardware industries. He most recently served as vice president of engineering at Whisker. Previously, he was vice president of advanced development at Ariens Corp. and held senior technology positions at Genesis Motion Solutions, Apple and Bose.
