John F. Grundhofer

John F. Grundhofer was a director of Donaldson Company, Securian Financial Group Inc., and BJ's Restaurant & Brewery. He served as Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of U.S. Bancorp, a financial services provider. On retirement he was succeeded by his brother Jerry Grundhofer.

Early life

He was a graduate of Loyola High School (Los Angeles) and Loyola Marymount University. He received an MBA in Finance from the University of Southern California.

Career

During his tenure at U.S. Bancorp, Grundhofer was credited with transforming the institution from a regional bank into one of the nation's largest, emphasizing efficiency and strategic acquisitions. His leadership style emphasized cost control, leading to several high-profile mergers during the 1990's.
After retiring, Grundhofer chaired the board of the Guthrie Theater and served on the boards of the Minnesota Orchestra and the University of St. Thomas.

Personal life

Grundhofer was purportedly kidnapped from a Minneapolis parking garage in November 1990. He escaped after being bound and stuffed in a sleeping bag. No one was ever charged in the kidnapping.
Grundhofer died on January 24, 2021, in Palm Desert California, at the age of 82.