H. Chris Killingstad
About H. Chris Killingstad
H. Chris Killingstad serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Tennant Company, where he has worked since 2002. He has held various leadership roles in major companies, including Pepsico and The Pillsbury Company, and has a notable focus on sustainability and innovation in the cleaning equipment industry.
Current Role at Tennant Company
H. Chris Killingstad serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Tennant Company, a position he has held since 2002. Under his leadership, Tennant has undergone significant transformation, with a strong focus on sustainability and innovation within the cleaning equipment industry. Killingstad has guided the company in developing strategies that align with global sustainability goals.
Previous Experience at PepsiCo
Before joining Tennant Company, H. Chris Killingstad worked at PepsiCo from 1982 to 1990. During his eight years there, he held multiple positions across Asia, Europe, and the United States, based in Purchase, New York. This experience provided him with a diverse understanding of global markets and operations.
Leadership at The Pillsbury Company
Killingstad held several key roles at The Pillsbury Company from 1990 to 2000. He served as Vice President and Managing Director for Europe from 1996 to 1999, and as Senior Vice President for Frozen Food in North America for 11 months in 1999. He also led the Haagen-Dazs brand in the Asia Pacific region from 1990 to 1996. His tenure at Pillsbury contributed to his extensive experience in food and consumer goods management.
Innovative Contributions to Environmental Technology
H. Chris Killingstad oversaw the invention of an electrically converted water technology that significantly reduces the environmental footprint of cleaning processes by up to 97%. This innovation reflects his commitment to sustainability and efficiency in cleaning solutions, aligning with current industry trends.
Early Career at General Electric
Killingstad began his career at General Electric, where he participated in the Financial Management Training Program from 1978 to 1980. This early experience laid the foundation for his future roles in financial management and corporate leadership.