Christopher Klein
Christopher Klein is the Retired Executive Chairman, and CEO Fortune Brands Home & Security Inc.- a leading supplier of home products including plumbing (Moen), cabinets, doors (Therma Tru), decking and Security (Master Lock).
Chris Klein retired as the CEO and executive chairman of Fortune Brands Home & Security Inc. in 2020 after ten years at the post.
Klein led the company through its spin-off from Fortune Brands Inc. (the former parent company) to become an independently traded company in October 2011. During his leadership, Fortune Brands Home & Security built a record of market outperformance and strong growth. Klein first joined Fortune Brands Inc. in April 2003. He began in the position of senior vice president — strategy and corporate development.
Prior to joining Fortune Brands Inc., Klein held key strategy and operating positions at Bank One Corporation. Before that, he spent eight years at the consulting firm McKinsey & Company, where he was a partner in the firm’s Chicago office. Klein spent his early career in commercial banking at both ABN AMRO and First Chicago.
Klein graduated from the University of Iowa’s Tippie College of Business with a BBA in 1985 and earned his MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management in 1989.
He currently serves on the board of directors of three public companies: THOR Corporation (NYSE: THO), the largest manufacturer of recreational vehicles in the world; Vontier Corporation (NYSE: VNT) a leader in mobility technologies, refueling and automotive diagnostics; and Grainger Corporation (NYSE:GWW) a leading supplier of maintenance, repair and operating (MRO) products to commercial businesses.
Chris is the Chairman of the Board of Trustees at the Ravinia Festival, the summer home of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and is a Trustee of the Naples Children & Education Foundation (sponsors of the annual Naples Winter Wine Festival). He is also an Emeritus member of the Tippie College of Business Advisory Board, The University of Iowa.
Chris and his wife Elise (also an Iowa grad) spend winters and springs in Naples Florida; summers and early Fall in Chicago; and most Iowa football home game weekends in Iowa City.
Chris and Elise have been supporters and donors to the University of Iowa for many years, including support to the Tippie School and the Football program.
Chris is excited to join the UICA board to help ensure that the longevity and stewardship of the institution’s funding remains robust. Iowa has a special place in Chris and Elise’s heart – its where they met nearly 40 years ago, and both their children have attended Iowa, including their son Jack who recently graduated as a Doctor of Physical Therapy from the Carver School of Medicine.