Dr. Christopher E. Nelson
President & Chief Executive Officer
Dr. Chris Nelson has served as President and CEO of Kemin Industries for more than four decades, leading the company’s transformation into a global ingredients and solution provider.
A scientist at heart, Chris began his career at Kemin in 1980 as Director of Research and Development. During his tenure, Chris and his team pioneered the process of isolating and purifying the antioxidant molecule lutein for human consumption in supplements and fortified foods.
Chris holds 11 patents and has authored numerous peer-reviewed studies. He earned his doctorate degree in biochemistry and biophysics from Washington State University and a bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University.
Recognized for his leadership in science and business, Chris was named one of STEMconnector’s Top 100 CEO Leaders in STEM and received Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year award for Life Sciences. He was also named a Top Agri-Food Pioneer by the World Food Prize. He has served as Board Chair of the Science Center of Iowa and co-chaired the Governor’s STEM Advisory Council.