Chris Baldwin

Chief Executive Officer

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Leadership begins with curiosity. If we invest in deeply understanding the challenge we are trying to solve and develop clear objectives, we will identify the keys to solving customer problems and positioning our business for strategic growth.

Chris Baldwin serves as Chief Executive Officer and a Director of IDEAL Industries, where he leads enterprise-wide strategy and the long-term vision for global growth. He brings leadership experience across public corporations and family-owned businesses, with expertise spanning sales and distribution, marketing, product development, finance, manufacturing and supply chain, mergers and acquisitions, and business transformation.

Prior to joining IDEAL, Chris served as Chief Operating Officer and President at Knoll before becoming Group President at MillerKnoll, where he helped lead the merger of Knoll and Herman Miller, oversaw global brands and manufacturing operations, and delivered record financial performance within the company’s international business.

During his career, Chris held leadership roles with Kohler, Siemens, Eaton, and other organizations, leading growth strategies across global markets while building cultures focused on continuous improvement and employee engagement.

Known for his collaborative leadership style, Chris has built strong partnerships with customers, vendors, investors, boards, and employees to strengthen performance and exceed organizational goals. He has served on the IDEAL Industries Board of Directors since 2016, helping to recruit new board members, support leadership succession, and mentor future family directors while remaining actively involved in community and industry organizations. 

Education

Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management 

Master of Business Administration 

Purdue University 

Bachelor of Science Chemical Engineering 

Accolades 

  • CNBC CEO Council Member 

Board Memberships

  • IDEAL Industries Board of Directors 

Meet Our Leadership Team

Our leadership shapes our business by embodying these values in all the work they do.