Hoffman Named CEO at Toro Company

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. - The Toro Company on Tuesday announced that its board of directors has elected Michael J. Hoffman, 49, to the position of chief executive officer effective March 15, 2005.

Hoffman, a 27-year veteran with the company, was elected president and chief operating officer on October 18, 2004, and since that date has been responsible for all the company's businesses and operations. Kendrick B. Melrose will step down as CEO and assume the role of executive chairman for Toro's board of directors, effective March 15, 2005.

?EUR??,,????'??Mike has made significant contributions in the areas of business strategy, customer relationships, as well as culture and values over the last 27 years,?EUR??,,????'?? Melrose said. ?EUR??,,????'??The vitality of the organization, our strong management team, and Mike's extensive experience in this industry will ensure that Toro continues its remarkable performance and market leadership well into the future.?EUR??,,????'??

Hoffman joined Toro in 1977, serving the company in various sales, service and marketing roles for nearly all company businesses in the professional and residential segments. Over the past 10 years as a key executive, he successfully directed these divisions toward increased market share, revenue growth, and profitability.

Hoffman holds a bachelor's degree in marketing management from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minn., and an MBA from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota.