Kris Kelsa

Kris Kielsa is executive vice president and general manager, Institutional for Ecolab Inc., the global leader in water, hygiene and infection prevention technologies and services that protect people and vital resources. 

In this role, Kielsa is responsible for Ecolab’s Global Institutional business, which provides food safety and cleaning and sanitizing solutions to the foodservice, healthcare, hospitality, lodging, long-term care, and commercial building markets. 

His career spans two decades with Ecolab, serving in leadership roles in Global Institutional – NA, Global Pest Elimination, Marketing, Business Development and Field Sales in both Institutional and Pest Elimination. Prior to joining Ecolab, Kielsa held marketing leadership positions with Land O’Lakes, ConAgra, and Jerome Foods. 

Throughout his career, Kielsa has been an active member of several key industry groups including IFT, NPMA, NRA and other trade associations. He has also played a key role supporting the efforts of the American Heart Association. He is also a board member for Bridging, a local non-profit in the greater Twin Cities area. 

Kielsa is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin and holds an MBA from the University of St. Thomas.