Douglas Baker Jr., the chairman and chief executive of St. Paul-based energy and environmental solutions company Ecolab, has been named 2017’s Person of the Year by Twin Cities Business magazine.
 
“For this award, we considered several individuals’ achievements during the past year, “ said TCB’s editor-in-chief Dale Kurschner in a statement. “Baker stood out for exceptional leadership that is strengthening our state’s economy, reputation and culture. Specifics include how well he has transformed and grown Ecolab—and recommitted its headquarters in downtown St. Paul; his role in securing the Super Bowl in Minneapolis this season; his board service at Target Corp. and U.S. Bank; and his community involvement in several organizations including the Itasca Group, Minnesota Business Partnership, Greater MSP and United Way.”
 
Baker will be the subject of a cover story in TCB’s December issue.
 
Included in the edition will be the magazine’s People to Know in 2018 list, which covers the 100 most influential titans, behind-the-scenes leaders, and up-and-comers around the state.
 
A reception featuring Baker and members of 2018’s People to Know will be held on December 14 at the Radisson Blu Minneapolis hotel.
 
Baker is the fifth individual to be named a Person of the Year by TCB. He joins U.S. Bank chairman Richard Davis (2016), Medtronic chief executive Omar Ishrak (2015), Mayo Clinic chief executive Dr. John Noseworthy (2014), and former Duluth mayor Don Ness (2013).