Hans G. Storr Recognized with Honorary Doctorate
Hans G. Storr, Retired Executive Vice President of Philip Morris Companies, was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Commercial Science from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee at its Spring Commencement ceremony.
UWM's honorary degree recognizes a career of extraordinary accomplishment, evidenced by the sum and distinction of the individual’s professional achievements, extraordinary intellectual merit, and personal integrity.
In bestowing the degree, Chancellor Carlos Santiago said, “Hans Storr, a 1961 graduate of our accounting program, is arguably one of UWM’s most prominent alumni, having attained international recognition and acclaim in the field of corporate finance.”
Hans Storr left post-war Europe in 1954 at the age of 22 with a one-way ticket to Milwaukee, in search of opportunity and a better future. He found both at a level that few people attain.
After earning his degree, Storr joined Milprint Company in Milwaukee as an accountant. In 1957, Milprint was acquired by Philip Morris, and there began Mr. Storr’s steady rise as a corporate financier.
Mr. Storr was transferred to Philip Morris International in 1966, where he served as Staff Assistant to the Vice President of Finance. He was selected as Vice President of Finance of the company’s European, Middle Eastern, and African operations in 1974, and became corporate Vice President of Finance in 1978. His ascendancy into the executive ranks continued, as he was named Chief Financial Officer in 1979, and elected Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in 1991. In 1982, he took on the additional responsibilities of Chairman and CEO of Philip Morris Capital Corporation. A member of the Board of Directors of Philip Morris in 1982, Mr. Storr held these prestigious positions until his retirement from the company in 1996.
“Hans Storr’s career achievements vividly demonstrate the fruits of hard work, the value of personal integrity, the power of intellect, and the transformative impact of higher education,” said Lubar School of Business Dean V. Kanti Prasad. “He serves as a great role model for younger generations of our students.”
