The Toro Company Names Michael J. Hoffman President and Chief Operating Officer

Michael J. Hoffman

BLOOMINGTON, Minn - The Toro Company has announced the election of Michael J. Hoffman, 49, to the position of President and Chief Operating Officer. Hoffman is a 27-year veteran with the company and most recently had been Group Vice President of the consumer, landscape contractor and international businesses representing over 65 percent of the company's revenue. Kendrick B. Melrose will continue in his role as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman.

This appointment is the latest step in a comprehensive succession plan that Toro's Board of Directors has had in place for a number of years and is designed to culminate in the appointment of a new CEO in 2005. As part of this plan, Melrose is expected to step down as CEO sometime in 2005 and assume the role of Executive Chairman for Toro's Board of Directors. ?EUR??,,????'??I am delighted that Mike Hoffman has been named COO,?EUR??,,????'?? Melrose said. ?EUR??,,????'??He is uniquely qualified and experienced to lead the Toro businesses with his broad knowledge of the company, our markets, and the industry.?EUR??,,????'??

Hoffman joined Toro in 1977 and spent his first 12 years in sales, service, and marketing roles for the commercial and consumer businesses. During the past 10 years at Toro, he has held a number of top executive positions including managing the commercial and consumer businesses. He 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.

?EUR??,,????'??It is truly an honor to be named President and COO of The Toro Company,?EUR??,,????'?? Hoffman said. ?EUR??,,????'??I look forward to continuing the legacy of market leadership and financial success which has always been driven by a strong management team and a dedicated and loyal group of employees.?EUR??,,????'??