Chris Kral

About Chris Kral

Sustainability Executive and former management consultant solving complex, cross-functional business challenges through strategic initiatives and practical program implementation. Chris was responsible for corporate strategy and program implementation as the Global Corporate Citizenship Lead for Western Digital, the largest innovator, manufacturer and provider of digital storage solutions ranking among Fortune\'s top 250 companies.Prior to working in-house at PBE, Datamaran and Western Digital, Chris provided advisory services as a consultant in organizational innovation, strategy development, supply chain management and product marketing to Fortune 500 companies nearly 7 years. Early in his career, Chris was a manager in various intergovernmental, non-profit and public sector organizations including the United Nations, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) in Washington D.C. He interned in the U.S. House of Representatives and with the Australian Conservation Foundation. Chris served in the Peace Corps working with local entrepreneurs on natural resource management and community development projects in Senegal, West Africa. Additionally, he developed and facilitated leadership courses as a Lead Instructor for Outward Bound.He earned his management degree from Yale University where he wrote his thesis on markets for environmental services.FUNCTIONAL EXPERTISE:• Change Management• Corporate Strategy• Business Continuity / Disaster Recovery• Program Management• Supply Chain Management and Responsible Sourcing• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)• Corporate Reporting and Public EngagementINDUSTRY EXPERIENCE with FORTUNE 100 COMPANIES:• Software• Information Communication Technology (ICT)• Food & Beverage• Legal Services• Manufacturing • Financial Services• Bio-technology

Experience

1. Head of Sustainability Corporate Project Management Office

   Principle Business Enterprises, Inc.

   Jan 2018 — Present · Ann Arbor, MI, US

   As the Head of Sustainability and Sr. Manager of the Corporate Project Management Office (PMO), I report to the President and COO to develop strategies and establish processes which support the company’s five-year growth objectives related to people, product and performance. To execute this change management process, I serve the company’s leadership within the PMO by coordinating strategic projects which are complex and cross-functional. I ensure project execution by organizing functional experts and managing project resources, communications and accountability. Recent accomplishments have included customer acquisition, installation and ramp-up of a new manufacturing line, production planning optimization, and waste reduction through process efficiency.Developing PBE’s Sustainability and Citizenship program, I’ve focused on material issues which affect business resilience including resource efficiency, material innovation and substitution, and work-force development. PBE has invested in PV energy generation and energy efficiency initiatives throughout its operations. PBE’s waste management program diverts materials from landfills for both upcycling and pre-consumer recycling. The company’s water resources are closed-loop, drawing from on-site surface and well sources and infiltrating water back into the water table.I’m proud to work in this leadership role at a value-driven company whose mission is to be a “principle-centered business”. A woman-owned business, PBE is committed to Diversity, Inclusion and Equity starting with our Executive Team, one-third of which is female and one-quarter is minority or international. The company maintains an exceptional work environment which supports employee development. PBE’s philanthropic program is a long-standing part of the local community whose economy which has seen significant changes.

Education

• College of the Holy Cross

  BA, Environmental Studies; Sociology

• Yale University

  Master’s, Business and Environmental Management

Skills

• Environmental Policy
• Green Purchasing
• Environmental Compliance
• Business Development
• Risk Assessment
• Carbon Management
• Ict
• Greenhouse Gas Inventory
• Life Cycle Assessment
• Supply Chain Management
• Energy Efficiency
• Corporate Social Responsibility
• Renewable Energy
• Project Management
• Sustainable Products
• Auditing
• Corporate Communications