Hire & Recruitment News: Green Industry Roll Call

Toro Elects President & COO

On July 21, 2026, the Toro Company’s board of directors elected president and chief operating officer Edric C. Funk to the position of president and chief executive officer, effective November 1, 2026. He will also join the board of directors, effective immediately. Funk will succeed Richard M. Olson, who will transition to the role of executive chairman of the board following more than four decades with the company, most recently as chief executive officer since 2016. 

Since joining The Toro Company in 1996 as a design engineer, Funk has developed a deep understanding of its industries and customers through leadership roles spanning engineering, marketing, global product management and technology innovation. He led the company’s Center for Technology, Research and Innovation in 2017, became general manager of the Sitework Systems business in 2020, and later served as group vice president of Golf, Grounds and Irrigation, where he continued to play an influential role in shaping the company’s approach to technical innovation, while demonstrating an appreciation for strong customer relationships, disciplined execution and collaborative leadership.

Edric C. FunkThe Toro CompanyFunk 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 has a professional certificate in innovation and technology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He serves on the boards of the National Golf Foundation and The Toro Company Foundation.

“On behalf of the entire board, we thank Rick for his outstanding leadership and partnership,” said Jeffrey L. Harmening, lead independent director. “His stewardship of The Toro Company has driven strong performance, enhanced shareholder value, and strengthened the company’s position for the future. We are pleased that the organization will continue to benefit from his leadership as executive chairman.” 

Industrial Truck Beds Rebrands

Hilltip Premium Truck BedIndustrial Truck Beds, the Indiana-based manufacturer of premium truck beds acquired by Hilltip in 2022, has officially rebranded as Hilltip Premium Truck Beds. The change reflects the company’s expanding truck bed offerings, as well as its alignment with the Hilltip portfolio of snowplows, spreaders, de-icing sprayers, sweepers and other road maintenance equipment manufactured in the same Fort Wayne facility.

Hilltip Premium Truck Beds designs and manufactures hook-lift and interchangeable beds, as well as dump beds, flat beds, and custom-built or private-label solutions. These products are engineered to outlast the commercial chassis, while providing optimal load capacity, stability and versatility.

Pet Control Company Names New VP of HR

Caroline FanucchiAzura Pest ControlAruza Pest Control appointed Caroline Fanucchi as Vice President of Human Resources, reinforcing the company’s continued investment in people, culture, and organizational growth as it expands across the Southeast and beyond.

In her role as Vice President of Human Resources, Fanucchi will lead Aruza’s HR strategy, talent development, employee engagement, recruiting infrastructure, and organizational planning initiatives. She will work closely with company leadership to strengthen Aruza’s people-first culture while supporting the company’s continued growth and operational scalability.

The company also acquired the Charleston, South Carolina operations of Core Pest Solutions. The acquisition expands Aruza's footprint in the Charleston market while welcoming Core Pest Solutions' customers and team members into the Aruza family. Existing customers can expect a seamless transition with continued service from experienced professionals, expanded service offerings, and the support of one of the region's fastest-growing pest management companies.

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