Inside Chris Leong's Departure as CSO of Schneider Electric

Chris Leong, previously Chief Sustainability Officer at Schneider Electric, has joined Ecolab as Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing and Innovation Officer. 

In her time at Schneider, Chris was recognised by Sustainability Magazine as one of the Top 250 Leaders in Sustainability and Top 250 Women in Sustainability. 

“I’m exhilarated, thrilled, proud and humbled to join Ecolab as Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing and Innovation Officer,” Chris said on LinkedIn when announcing her appointment. 

“I am honoured and privileged to lead an incredible team of talented associates in global marketing, sustainability and innovation. 

“A team anchored in deep-rooted understanding of customer needs, driving bold innovation, obsessed with delivering tangible value for our customers.”

Chris’ career so far 

Before joining Schneider, Chris held a variety of roles at Nokia from 2005 including VP Marketing, SVP Global Marketing Go-To-Market Operations and SVP Greater China, Japan and Korea. 

Prior to her time at Nokia, Chris held a number of senior management positions in marketing communications firms.

In this time, she worked with brands including P&G, Ford, HSBC and Heineken.

Since 2022, she has been a member of the Nestlé Board of Directors and its sustainability committee. 

Chris has studied at Harvard Business School, INSEAD, FT, the Malaysian Institute of Management and London Business School. 

Chris’ time at Schneider Electric

In 2012, Chris joined Schneider as SVP Strategy and Innovation and held a number of roles before taking on Chief Marketing Officer in 2015. 

She held this position until 2025 when she became the company’s Chief Sustainability Officer.

The sustainability giant welcomed Chris to the position on 1 January 2025 to “advance the company’s sustainability commitments and goals, continuing to strengthen its leadership position in the field.”

On her departure from Schneider, Chris said on LinkedIn: “It’s been a true privilege to contribute to the world’s most sustainable company’s growth journey, innovating for impact, and driving progress and sustainability for all!"

Schneider Electric has consistently been recognised as one of the world's most sustainable businesses, including in Sustainability Magazine's Top 250 Companies in Sustainability 2024. 

Chief Marketing and Innovation Officer at Ecolab

Headquartered in Minnesota, Ecolab focuses on the treatment and purification of water, hygiene and infection prevention solutions. 

The company works with a wide variety of businesses including Kraft Heinz, Linde Gases, Marriott Vacations Worldwide and Sysco.

Ecolab’s previous Chief Marketing Officer, Gail Peterson, stepped away from the company in late 2024. 

Chris is set to lead a global marketing, sustainability and innovation team at Ecolab. 

On the announcement of her appointment on LinkedIn, Chris said: “We are ONE team on a mission, to establish Ecolab as the ultimate recognised sustainability impact brand in water, hygiene, infection prevention and cooling technologies.

“I am grateful for the signature Minnesota warm welcome and the chance to begin this incredible journey, working together to unlock the next chapter of unstoppable growth.”

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