Duane L. Burnham

Carlson School of Management, April 27, 2009

Duane L. Burnham graduated with a bachelor of science in accounting from the University of Minnesota in 1963 and his MBA from the Carlson School in 1972. He is the retired chairman and CEO of the pharmaceutical giant Abbott laboratories, based in Chicago. Abbott produces products such as diagnostic equipment, intravenous therapies, baby formulas, and liquid nutritionals. He is considered a highly successful businessman and respected community leader in his industry and the state of Illinois. Under his leadership, Abbott became known for its corporate culture that valued ethics and a high quality of life for employees, shareholders, and customers. It was also ranked highly in business magazines as a supportive workplace for its diversity of employees. He has served on multiple corporate boards and associations including the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association, Business Roundtable, Financial Executives Institute, Sara Lee Corp., and the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, to name a few. In addition, he has been active in his community, serving on the boards of several academic institutions, healthcare organizations, and a patron of the arts.