Mr. ROBERT J. ECK

Robert J. EckRobert J. Eck, Arts ’80, was elected to the Marquette University Board of Trustees in 2014, served as vice chair of the board from 2019 to 2020, and was elected chair of the board in 2020.

He served as the chief executive officer of Anixter International Inc., a leading global distributor of network and security solutions, electrical and electronic solutions, and utility power solutions from 2008 to 2018. Anixter has been in business since 1957, operates in over 50 countries, and provides added value to its customers and suppliers through technical support, supply chain management services and leveraging a unique global platform. Anixter was listed on the New York Stock Exchange until its recent sale to Wesco Internatinoal Inc. and was recognized by Forbes Magazine as one of the 100 Most Trustworthy Companies in America.

Bob joined Anixter in 1989 and served in a variety of roles, including human resources, marketing, sales management, leading the global Network and Security Solutions business, and chief operating officer. Over the course of his career, he led the development and launch of two new service businesses globally.

Bob serves on the board of directors of Ryder System Inc. and served as a director of Anixter International Inc. from July 2008 until June 2020.

He and his wife, Kim, met while attending Marquette. They have two sons, Chris and Connor.

Bob is a member of the Marquette University Archbishop Henni Founders Society, the Marquette University President’s Society and St. Ignatius Legacy Society and has served on the advisory board of the Center for Supply Chain Management in the College of Business Administration.