KU School of Business announces 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients
LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas School of Business will recognize two executives whose careers and leadership have shaped their industries with its 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award on April 23.
John Brandmeyer and Ron Lockton will be honored for their achievements in business, community engagement and longstanding support of KU during a private reception.
John Brandmeyer holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from KU. He is the CEO of the Brandmeyer Family Office, where he leads the firm’s investment strategy and oversees the management of multigenerational family portfolios. He previously held senior roles in sales, information technology and finance at Enturia Inc., the medical products company built by the Brandmeyer family and sold in 2008. Since transitioning to the family office, he has guided investments across real estate, financial services, technology and alternative asset classes with a focus on long-term value creation.
Brandmeyer is a KU Endowment trustee, supports local organizations including Children’s Mercy Hospital, the Enterprise Center in Johnson County and GIFT KC, and mentors student entrepreneurs through KU’s Pilot Pitch Workshop. He has served on the School of Business Dean’s Advisory Board since 2016, including terms on the executive committee and as chair of the membership and fundraising committees. He also served on KU’s Provost Search Committee for the School of Business dean over the 2024-25 academic year.
Ron Lockton graduated from KU with a bachelor’s degree in economics. He is the chairman and CEO of Lockton, the world’s largest privately held, independent insurance brokerage and advisory firm. He leads a global workforce of 14,000 across more than 160 offices, guiding strategy, culture and client impact. Under his leadership, the company has maintained industry-leading organic growth and has earned 17 consecutive “Best Places to Work in Insurance” honors.
Ron Lockton began in underwriting at Aetna Casualty and Surety before joining Lockton in 1990. Throughout his career at Lockton, he also has held various roles, including retail producer, series president and executive chairman. Ron Lockton is dedicated to continuing the legacy established by his father, company founder Jack Lockton. He is a member of the KU Chancellor’s Advisory Council and supports various national and community initiatives through the Ron and Kelly Lockton Family Foundation.
The School of Business established the Distinguished Alumni Award in 1998 to honor outstanding graduates and supporters. Award recipients are selected based on their business success and service to their communities and to KU.
To date, 69 people have received the award. Previous recipients include investor and philanthropist David Booth, Kansas City business leaders Peter and Veronica Mallouk, entrepreneur and investor Tim Barton and Hallmark Cards Inc. executive chairman Donald J. Hall Jr.