Orrin H. Ingram II
Orrin H. Ingram II | |
|---|---|
| Born | July 5, 1960 |
| Occupation(s) | Businessman, philanthropist, polo athlete |
| Known for | CEO of Ingram Industries; Chairman of Ingram Barge Company |
Orrin H. Ingram II (born July 5, 1960) is an American businessman, heir, philanthropist, and polo athlete. He holds the positions of chief executive officer (CEO) at Ingram Industries and chairman of the board at Ingram Barge Company.
Early life
Orrin H. Ingram II was born on July 5, 1960, to the late E. Bronson Ingram II and Martha R. Ingram. His siblings include David Bronson Ingram, who leads Ingram Entertainment as CEO, and John R. Ingram, CEO of Ingram Book Group. His family heritage on his father's side links back to lumber magnate Orrin Henry Ingram, an early pioneer investor in the timber industry that eventually became the foundation for the Weyerhaeuser Corporation.
He completed his Bachelor of Arts degree at Vanderbilt University in 1982.
Business career
Ingram launched his professional journey with roles at Ingram Materials Company and Ingram Barge Company. He has been serving as President of Ingram Industries since 1996 and elevated to CEO in 1999. His board memberships have included eSkye Solutions, Ingram Micro, Ingram Barge Company, SunTrust Banks, Coca-Cola Enterprises, The Krystal Company, FirstBank, and the United States Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, he has provided guidance as part of the Strategic Advisory Boards for both SunCom and Tennessee Valley Ventures. In July 2011, he divested Ingram Materials Company to Pine Bluff Sand. Moreover, he has held board roles with the United States Chamber of Commerce and the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce.
Polo and hunting
A past Chairman of both the United States Polo Association and the Polo Training Foundation, where he continues as an Honorary Director, Ingram is affiliated with the Nashville Polo Club. He competed for the American team in South Africa during 1996 alongside distinguished players including James Armstrong and Adolfo Cambiaso. He organizes philanthropic polo matches at his RiverView Farm located in Franklin, Tennessee, and acts as patron for the Riverview Polo Team. His accolades encompass victories such as the USPA Bronze Trophy, Eastern Challenge, International Cup, and Continental Cup.
As an avid hunter, Ingram participates in waterfowl, turkey, and big game hunting activities. He is also involved in fox hunting and holds the position of Master of the Hillsboro Hounds. Notably, in 2010 he fox-hunted alongside Olympic show-jumper Markus Fuchs.
Philanthropy
Ingram contributes his leadership to several organizations including the Boards of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America for Middle Tennessee, the Nashville Public Education Foundation, the executive committee for Metropolitan Nashville's United Way, and Ducks Unlimited’s Wetlands America Trust Board. In recognition of his volunteer efforts, he was honored with the 2005 Dr. Thomas F. Frist, Jr. Excellence in Volunteer Leadership Award from United Way. He also serves on Vanderbilt University's Board of Trust and is a member of the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance.
Political activity
Identifying as a Republican, Ingram supported presidential campaigns for George W. Bush in both 2000 and 2004, as well as backing John McCain in 2000 and 2008. His political endorsements have included figures such as Fred Thompson, Lindsey Graham, Tom DeLay, Rick Santorum, Mitt Romney, along with contributions to the National Republican Senatorial Committee. In 2015, he contributed $1,500 toward David Fox’s unsuccessful bid for Nashville mayor.
Personal life
Ingram is divorced and has three children: two sons, Orrin H. "Hank" Ingram III and Aaron Forest Barrett, along with a daughter named Virginia Ingram. His son Orrin was born from his marriage to his first spouse, Terri Drummond Lyon.