Innovative business leader, OSU alumnus Darnaby to deliver Commencement address

Friday, October 23, 2009

(MIAMI, Okla., Oct. 23, 2009) -- Rick Darnaby, who has led a number of high-tech global businesses, and is widely known for his innovative leadership style, will be the featured speaker for the Oklahoma State University Commencement on Saturday, Dec. 12, in Stillwater.

Darnaby holds a B.S. in business administration (’78) and an M.B.A. (’79) from OSU, and went on to study International Business at the Institute of European Business Administration (INSEAD) in Fontainebleau, France. 

He has served as president for The NutraSweet Company, president and general manager for Motorola Company in Europe, as well as president and CEO of Monsanto Canada, Inc., among others.

He emphasizes “sustaining innovation” as the new way of life in globally competitive business and the key to rebuilding the economy. 

“We are pleased and honored to have Rick share his tested insights with those who will soon be his fellow alums,” said Burns Hargis, president of OSU. “He has achieved tremendous success since leaving his alma mater.  We are proud of his accomplishments and inspired by what he has achieved.”

Darnaby is currently the managing partner of three Conceptual Age consulting firms serving high technology industries. The firms provide council and coaching in innovation leadership, conceptual business strategy, and optimization of intellectual property.

A guest lecturer at the top graduate business schools, including Harvard, INSEAD and Northwestern, Darnaby is a frequent speaker at business and government meetings on topics ranging from innovation to global business strategy.

He has served on a number of corporate, government and academic boards and committees in the U.S. and abroad. He has successfully recruited, coached, and developed several top executives holding leading corporate positions around the world. He is considered one of the top business strategists and innovation thought leaders in his field.

Darnaby resides in Montecito, Calif. and spends much of his time in Silicon Valley where his business is based.