Chris Padgett joined Nestlé USA in 2013, and leads NUSA’s Digital Center of Excellence (DCOE), formed to accelerate digital capabilities within Marketing and drive transformation to best-in-class in the digital area. Since its inception, the DCOE has grown to include Digital Strategy, Social Engagement and Content Studio, Consumer Engagement Services, Digital Analytics, Digital Innovation, Product Information, and Consumer Communications. In 2017, Chris led NUSA’s eBusiness vision, strategy, and build-out, to accelerate growth with Pure Play and Brick & Mortar.com partners. In 2018, Chris and his team designed and implemented a new agency model across the NUSA portfolio, including establishing an internal Content Studio, now producing the majority of brands’ digital content.
Chris came to NUSA from Nestlé Purina PetCare (St Louis), where he established Purina’s Digital Center of Excellence and the Purina way of integrating digital and social into brand strategy and plans, for the US and Purina Globally. Prior to his role in Digital Marketing, Chris held positions of leadership within the Purina Marketing organization, across all pet care segments.
Chris is a graduate of the University of Virginia, both undergraduate (BA English) and MBA at the Darden School (Marketing).
Chris and his family relocated to Arlington, VA, from Southern California. His wife Sandy, is an attorney and social worker, working for the National Association on Mental Illness (NAMI), focusing on peer support to youth and families as they navigate mental health services and support. Three of their four sons are now in college or graduate school.