Dr. Chris Killian is Senior Vice President, Chief Technology and Sustainability Officer for Eastman’s global technology, innovation, and sustainability organizations. Chris leads Eastman’s innovation-driven growth strategy to deliver sustainable material solutions to customer and societal needs. Prior to his current position, Chris served as senior vice president and chief technology officer.
Chris holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) and a doctorate in organic chemistry from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He joined Eastman in 1996 as a research chemist. During his career at Eastman, he has held various technology and business leadership positions, including director of polymers technology, director of the Tritan™ growth platform, and vice president of Advanced Materials technology.
In this conversation with Dave Young, the Global Leader of the BCG Henderson Institute’s Center for Climate & Sustainability, Chris shares Eastman’s journey in pioneering technologies like molecular recycling and bio-based polymers, offering insights into how the company has built a “better circle” by integrating circular economy principles into its core operations. The discussion highlights Eastman’s principles-based approach to innovation, where high environmental and societal standards are seamlessly aligned with business performance. From creating sustainable supply chains to addressing global challenges in material science, Chris provides an inspiring blueprint for how businesses can leverage innovation to drive growth, deliver value, and create a more sustainable future.