Getty Trust Names Business and Philanthropic Leader Ronald W. Burkle to Its Board of Trustees.
Business Editors & Consumer/Lifestyle Writers
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 1, 2001
Ronald W. Burkle has been elected to the Board of Trustees of the J. Paul Getty Trust, it was announced today by David P. Gardner, chairman of the Getty Board of Trustees, and Helene L. Kaplan, chairman of the Trustee Leadership Development Committee.
Burkle is the founder and managing partner of The Yucaipa Companies, a private investment firm based in Southern California, widely recognized as a leader in acquisitions, mergers, and management of large retail and distribution companies. He also serves on the boards of numerous nonprofit organizations involving the arts, education, youth, medicine, AIDS and urban affairs.
Dr. Gardner commented: "We're extremely fortunate to have Ron as the newest member of our Board. His tireless dedication to organizations serving the needs of diverse communities and his quiet, effective leadership on so many fronts has made a lasting impact on the community of Los Angeles and the country at large. The Getty and its audiences will benefit tremendously from his passion and wide-ranging expertise."
Barry Munitz, president and chief executive officer of the J. Paul Getty Trust, said, "Ron joins a strong board committed to advancing the Getty's educational and philanthropic mission in innovative ways. Personally, I value Ron's candor and bold vision, and his gift for forging unexpected alliances in both the business and nonprofit worlds."
Burkle has been active in local, state and national politics and has shared his Beverly Hills home, Green Acres, with many Los Angeles charitable organizations for special events. An art collector, he has acquired important Old Master, Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings and drawings. He also owns a number of architecturally significant homes and buildings in Southern California.
In May 1999, Yucaipa completed the merger of Fred Meyer Inc., where Burkle served as Chairman, and The Kroger Company, forming the largest supermarket company in the United States. Burkle is also the majority shareholder of Golden State Foods, the largest manufacturer and distributor of food products to McDonald's. He is Chairman and the largest shareholder of Cyrk Inc., the largest provider of toys and promotions to McDonald's.
