Chris Schult is a dynamic business, supply chain and procurement leader who has spent over 25 years transforming organizations and redefining operational excellence. With a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering and a career spanning global corporations, Chris has a proven track record of driving efficiency, fostering innovation, and delivering exceptional business outcomes. His leadership philosophy combines strategic vision with practical execution, making him a catalyst for sustainable growth and innovation. Chris has leadership experience in both publicly traded and privately held companies.
Chris serves as an Executive Partner at Gartner, providing strategic advice to more than 25 Chief Procurement Officers (CPOs) from Global 1000 companies. In this role, he helps organizations tackle their most pressing challenges by leveraging cutting-edge procurement strategies and fostering collaboration through peer networking and industry insights. Chris’s ability to bridge the gap between theory and application has made him a trusted advisor to some of the world’s most influential executives.
Before joining Gartner, Chris held executive roles at W.R. Grace & Co., a global specialty chemical company. As Vice President of Global Supply Chain (CSCO), Chris led a comprehensive transformation of the company’s supply chain, encompassing customer service, logistics, and order fulfillment. His leadership reduced costs by 27%, delivered $20–30 million in EBITDA improvements, and created a scalable platform for future growth. These initiatives improved efficiency and earned the company the prestigious Ecovadis “Best Value Chain Engagement” award in 2022 for sustainability excellence.
Chris’s leadership extends beyond operations. As Vice President of Strategic Sourcing, he built a global procurement organization from scratch, recruiting and developing a high-performing global team. His strategic approach to supplier partnerships and risk management elevated procurement from a transactional function to a core driver of value creation. This work demonstrates Chris’s ability to align operational initiatives with broader business goals, creating synergy across teams and functions.
In addition to his supply chain expertise, Chris has extensive experience in business development and financial management. During his tenure as General Manager of Darex Packaging, he oversaw a $400 million global business with operations in 14 countries. Under his leadership, the business achieved double the market growth rate while improving profitability by over 100 basis points annually. This role showcased Chris’s ability to manage complex organizations while delivering consistent financial and operational results.
Chris’s passion for innovation is a common thread throughout his career. As the founder and co-chair of the Chemicals Think Tank at SAP, he partnered with industry leaders to redesign supplier sustainability assessments. This initiative focused on making sustainability efforts more cost-effective, resource-efficient, and impactful. Chris’s forward-thinking approach highlights his dedication to creating a positive and lasting impact in his industry.
His career reflects a global perspective, having worked with teams and operations across North America, Latin America, Asia, and Europe. These international experiences have given Chris a deep understanding of cultural nuances, regulatory environments, and global market dynamics, enabling him to lead effectively in diverse and complex environments. His ability to navigate these challenges with poise and precision has earned him a reputation as a globally minded executive.
Beyond his professional achievements, Chris is driven by a desire to give back. He supports causes that align with his values, including education, science, technology, and health. When he’s not driving organizational change, Chris enjoys traveling, cycling, the outdoors, exploring craft beer, and cheering on his favorite soccer teams. These personal passions reflect his belief in lifelong learning and the importance of balance.
Chris’s leadership style is characterized by his ability to connect vision with action. Whether building teams, optimizing processes or driving sustainable growth, Chris brings a unique blend of technical expertise, strategic insight, and human connection to every role he undertakes. His career is a testament to the power of transformative leadership in today’s fast-paced, global economy.
Character:
Chris Schult is a leader who exemplifies integrity, resilience, and a strong commitment to innovation and sustainability. His ability to inspire trust and foster collaboration creates an environment where teams excel and consistently achieve shared goals.
Knowledge:
With over 25 years of expertise in business leadership, supply chain management, procurement, and process optimization, Chris brings unparalleled business, technical and operational insight. His deep understanding of global markets and industries enables him to navigate complex challenges and drive transformative growth and change.
Strategic:
Chris has a proven ability to align business objectives with operational execution, ensuring measurable results and long-term growth. His strategic vision and multi-year roadmaps have consistently delivered growth, cost reductions, enhanced efficiency, and sustainable business models.
Communication:
Chris is a skilled communicator who excels at building alignment across diverse stakeholders, from global teams to C-suite executives. His clear, impactful messaging and ability to foster collaboration enable the successful execution of complex initiatives and strategic partnerships.
