Notable Alumni of the Ross School of Business
The Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan has a long and distinguished history of producing leaders and innovators across diverse industries. Its alumni network includes individuals who have made significant contributions to business, technology, philanthropy, and public service. This article highlights some of the most notable graduates of the Ross School of Business, showcasing their achievements and impact on the world.
Business and Entrepreneurship
Many Ross School of Business alumni have achieved great success in the world of business and entrepreneurship. These individuals have founded, led, and transformed companies across various sectors.
- Leo Burnett (1914): Founder of the Leo Burnett Company, one of the world's largest advertising agencies.
- Louis Carlyle Walker (BA 1896): Co-founder of the Shaw-Walker Company and later its sole owner; important figure in the history of Muskegon, Michigan; benefactor and namesake of the L. C. Walker Arena.
- Charles Rudolph Walgreen Jr.: Former president and chairman of the Walgreens Company, a leading pharmacy chain.
- Tom Monaghan (x'60): Founder of Domino's Pizza, one of the world's largest pizza chains.
- Michael Ilitch: Founder of Little Caesars Pizza and owner of the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Red Wings.
- Douglas F. Meijer ('76) and Hendrik G. "Hank" Meijer ('73, HLLD'19): Co-chairmen of Meijer, a regional supermarket chain.
- Kenneth B. Dart (COE: BSE 1976): Heir to Dart Container Corporation; son of the founder William A. Dart.
- Warren Lieberfarb (BUS): Founder and chairman of Warren N. Lieberfarb & Associates.
- David Deno (BUS: MBA): Former CEO of Quiznos and former COO of Yum! Brands.
- Paul Lefkofsky (BA, J.D.): Co-founder of Groupon, a leading e-commerce marketplace.
- Niklas Zennstrom ('91): Co-founder of Skype, a popular video conferencing platform.
- Eric Lefkofsky ('91, JD'93): Co-founder of Groupon.
- Stephen M. Ross: Real estate developer and owner of the Miami Dolphins; the Ross School of Business is named in his honor.
- A. Alfred Taubman: Real estate developer and philanthropist.
- Samuel Zell: Real estate investor and founder of Equity Group Investments.
- Jorge Perez: Real estate developer and founder of The Related Group.
- Dean Drako: CEO of Barracuda Networks.
- Bobby Kotick (x'82): CEO of Activision Blizzard, a leading video game publisher.
- Martin Lau ('94): President of Tencent, a Chinese technology conglomerate.
- Greg Kaplan: Coinstar president, COO.
- Bernie Moreno: Entrepreneur and car dealer.
- Ralph Bahna: Innovator Who Led Cunard, Priceline.
- Henry Engelhardt: Chief Executive Officer, Admiral Group.
- Bradley A. Keywell: Co-founder of Groupon.
- Boaz Weinstein: Founder & Chief Investment Officer, SABA CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, L.P.
- Jim Buckmaster: CEO of Craigslist.
These alumni exemplify the entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen fostered at the Ross School of Business. Their ventures have created jobs, driven economic growth, and transformed industries.
Technology and Innovation
The Ross School of Business has also produced numerous alumni who have made significant contributions to the field of technology and innovation. These individuals have played key roles in developing groundbreaking technologies and leading innovative companies.
- Bill Joy (COE: BSE CompE 1975, 2004 D.Eng. hon.): Co-founder of Sun Microsystems, a pioneering technology company.
- Larry Page: Co-founder of Google, one of the world's largest technology companies.
- John Koza (MA Mathematics 1966; BA 1964, MS 1966, Ph.D. Computer Science 1972): Pioneer in the field of genetic programming.
- Subodh Karnik: President and CEO of ATA Airlines.
- Temel Kotil (COE: MA 1986, MA 1987, Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering 1991): CEO of Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI).
- Steven M. Mollenkopf: Chair of the Board of Boeing.
- Jason Blessing: CEO of Model N.
- Dick Costolo: Former CEO of Twitter.
- Stephenie Landry: Amazon.
These alumni have been at the forefront of technological advancements, shaping the way we live and work. Their contributions have had a profound impact on the global economy and society.
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Finance and Investment
The Ross School of Business has a strong reputation for producing leaders in the finance and investment industries. Its alumni include prominent figures in investment banking, asset management, and private equity.
- Robert Tisch (A.B. Economics 1948): Co-owner of the New York Giants and former Postmaster General of the United States.
- Stan Druckenmiller: Hedge fund manager and philanthropist.
- Charles Merrill: Co-founder of Merrill Lynch.
- David Barger ('17): Founder of JetBlue Airways.
- Ronald Olson: Elected to Caltech Board.
- William S. Demchak: Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer The PNC Financial Services Group.
- Richard C. Gerstenberg: G.M. Official.
- Kenneth B. Dart: Dart Container Corporation.
These alumni have played significant roles in shaping the financial landscape and driving economic growth. Their expertise and leadership have been instrumental in the success of their respective organizations.
Public Service and Philanthropy
Many Ross School of Business alumni have dedicated their careers to public service and philanthropy. These individuals have made significant contributions to their communities and the world through their leadership and generosity.
- Preston Robert Tisch (A.B. 1948): Former Postmaster General of the United States.
- Gerald R. Ford: 40th Vice President and 38th President of the United States.
- Alexander Macomb Campau (1823-1908): Heir to the Campau family fortune; inheritor of Belle Isle from his father, Barnabas Campau (1775-1845).
- Henry W. Bloch ('44, HLLD'05): Co-founder of H&R Block.
- Eugene Barnum Power: Founder of University Microfilms, now ProQuest.
- John Gideon Searle: Former vice president and general manager of G. D. Searle & Company.
- Mervin Pregulman: Former president and CEO of Siskin Steel & Supply Co.
- John Cunningham Dugan: Department of the Treasury.
- Yoon-Dae Euh: Korean executive and educator.
- Jim Hackett: Ford School Committee member, appointed interim athletic director.
These alumni have demonstrated a commitment to serving others and making a positive impact on society. Their contributions have improved the lives of countless individuals and strengthened communities around the world.
Other Notable Alumni
In addition to the categories above, there are many other Ross School of Business alumni who have achieved distinction in their respective fields. These individuals represent the diversity of talent and expertise that the Ross School of Business cultivates.
Read also: Sul Ross State University History
- Edgar N. Gott (1909)
- Homer Stryker (MED: M.D. 1925)
- Robert J. Vlasic: Built family name into iconic brand.
- Philip H. Power
- Michael Roney: Chief Executive Officer at Bunzl.
- Steve Sanger: BusinessWeek.
- Marc Rosen: Ross School Advisory Board.
Read also: The Norma Ross Walter Scholarship Details
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