2025 Global Business Excellence Alumni Award: Marna Ricker (BSBA '91)

Marna Ricker knows the importance of a global mindset in today’s business climate. 

As Global Vice Chair – Tax at EY, she oversees more than 76,000 of the firm’s Tax, People Advisory Services (PAS) and Law professionals worldwide.

“Every decision you make as a business leader has to take into account the interconnectedness of today’s global economy,” she says.

For her international business acumen, transformational leadership and commitment to mentoring the next generation of global leaders, Ricker has been named the recipient of Fisher’s 2025 Alumni Award for Global Business Excellence.

We asked her to share her thoughts about business on a global scale, her time at Ohio State and the significance of this award.

Q. In your view, what are some benefits — tangible and/or intangible — of having a global business perspective? 

Well, that’s the way the working world works — globally. Every decision you make as a business leader — from finance, to operations, to supply chain and talent — has to take into account the interconnectedness of today’s global economy. One thing I’ve learned is that a “global strategy” has value when it can be translated into local actions. On the personal side, without a doubt, having a global perspective makes me a better human and champion for humanity.  

Q. What did your time at Ohio State mean to you? 

It’s a gift to get to attend such a prestigious university and college, to gain the experiences that are available to you there, where most of the students are from Ohio. It’s a true launching pad to the world. 

Q. What motivates you to stay engaged with the college and its community?  

There’s so much pride and joy in being able to give back the opportunities that have been given to me by Ohio State and Fisher.  I am a big karma and “pay it forward” person, and it’s important to me to help the next generation. 

Q. What’s a favorite memory you carry from your time at Fisher and Ohio State? 

Singing Carmen Ohio at the end of every game. It just gives me chills, especially the line “time and change will surely show, how firm thy friendship OHIO.” Fisher, graduating, and being handed my diploma. 

Q. Knowing what you know now about business and career success, what advice would you have for your younger self? 

Every opportunity is one to learn and grow, even if you don’t think it’s one you want to do. Just figure out what there is to learn and nail it. To my younger self in particular, it’s a marathon not a sprint. Marathons take time, training, help and fuel. Give yourself patience and practice, so that you can succeed over the long haul.   

Q. What significance does the Global Business Excellence Award from Fisher hold for you ─ personally and professionally? 

Professionally, Fisher is where my interest in business, particularly in accounting and finance, all began — it was my launch into the world. Personally, Fisher is full of incredibly accomplished business leaders from across the globe, so to be “placed” in that peer group is deeply humbling and a huge honor.