Christopher Harrington is a dynamic and results-driven senior sales and marketing executive with over 20 years of experience in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry. With a proven track record of strategic leadership, sales growth, and operational excellence, Chris has played a pivotal role in driving revenue expansion, optimizing go-to-market strategies, and leading high-performing teams across North America and international markets. His ability to develop and execute category management strategies, negotiate key partnerships, and drive business transformation makes him a sought-after leader in the industry.
As the vice president of sales – North America at Vega/WellMore Holdings, Chris has been instrumental in shaping the company’s growth strategy across multiple brands and global markets. He successfully established a go-to-market strategy for Great Lakes Wellness in Europe, Australia, and Canada, ensuring a seamless international expansion. His expertise in category management, shopper marketing, and net revenue management has contributed to significant sales growth, including the development of a customer prioritization model that led to a 7% net sales increase. His leadership was also pivotal in the successful sale of the company to a private equity firm, where he played a key role in the strategic review process.
Prior to his tenure at Vega/WellMore, Chris held multiple senior sales leadership roles at GSK Consumer Healthcare, The Clorox Company of Canada, and S.C. Johnson & Son, Canada Ltd. He was responsible for leading trade negotiations, improving forecasting models, implementing category sales strategies, and driving cost efficiencies—resulting in millions in annual savings and profit growth. At GSK Consumer Healthcare, he redefined the product allocation strategy, exceeding previous distribution benchmarks while eliminating out-of-stock issues at major retail accounts. At Clorox Canada, Chris played a critical role in exceeding sales targets, negotiating cost-saving trade agreements, and launching key product initiatives, which collectively enhanced market penetration and brand equity.
A strategic leader with international exposure, Chris has worked extensively across Mexico, China, and the European Union, gaining valuable insights into diverse consumer markets and retail landscapes. His ability to adapt sales strategies to different regional demands, optimize category management, and drive global brand expansion underscores his expertise in navigating complex, fast-changing CPG environments.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Chris is deeply committed to community engagement and corporate social responsibility. He has organized annual community service days, encouraging his teams to give back to local markets, and has actively participated in fundraising initiatives such as the CN Tower Climb for the United Way of Greater Toronto. His leadership as United Way chairman for S.C. Johnson led to an exceeding pledge goal by 15%, demonstrating his ability to mobilize teams for social impact.
Chris holds a bachelor of commerce (marketing) and a bachelor of science (neuropsychology) from the University of Calgary. His educational background provides him with a unique blend of analytical thinking and consumer behavior expertise, further strengthening his ability to develop targeted marketing strategies, optimize sales operations, and drive data-driven decision-making. He has also completed the Diamond Leadership Program, which has further refined his leadership philosophy centered on accountability, ownership, and mentorship.
A passionate advocate for team building, leadership development, and operational efficiency, Chris is now actively exploring board and advisory roles where he can leverage his extensive CPG expertise to help companies navigate market complexities, optimize sales and marketing strategies, and drive sustainable business growth. His ability to offer strategic insights, challenge conventional thinking, and execute transformational initiatives makes him a valuable asset for organizations seeking experienced leadership at the board level.
Chris is eager to contribute his expertise to companies looking to scale, innovate, and strengthen their market presence, while also broadening his professional portfolio. His strategic vision, operational acumen, and passion for leadership development position him as a strong candidate for board service, particularly within the CPG, retail, and consumer goods industries.
Character: Christopher Harrington is a principled and results-driven leader who fosters accountability, ownership, and team development to achieve exceptional business outcomes.
Knowledge: With over 20 years of experience in the CPG industry, he possesses deep expertise in sales, marketing strategy, operations management, and international market expansion.
Strategic: He has a proven ability to develop and execute go-to-market strategies, optimize category management, and drive revenue growth through data-driven decision-making and business transformation.
Communication: A collaborative leader, he excels in mentoring teams, negotiating key partnerships, and articulating clear, impactful strategies to drive engagement and alignment across stakeholders.