Dr. Christopher E. Nelson

President & Chief Executive Officer

Chris Nelson, Ph.D., has served as President and CEO of Kemin Industries for more than three decades, leading the company’s transformation into a global ingredients manufacturer. Under his leadership, Kemin has expanded tenfold and now operates in over 90 countries with more than 3,400 employees. Today, the company has manufacturing facilities in Belgium, Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Italy, Singapore, South Africa, and the U.S. Kemin transforms more than a billion lives across the globe every day with products and services that improve the quality of life.

A scientist at heart, Dr. Nelson began his career at Kemin in 1980 as Director of Research and Development. During his tenure, Dr. Nelson and his team pioneered the process of isolating and purifying the antioxidant molecule lutein for human consumption in supplements and fortified foods. Researchers have identified the central role lutein plays in human eye health, specifically in reducing risk of age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of adult blindness. Now, more than 60 million people consume lutein daily through supplements and fortified foods. Among the many commercial and scientific advancements at Kemin, this distinguished breakthrough launched the company into new markets.