Chris Scalia Joins Johnson Controls as EVP and CHRO
Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI), a global leader in smart, healthy, and sustainable building solutions, has officially appointed Chris Scalia as the company’s new Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO). Based in Cork, Ireland, the announcement marks a pivotal step in Johnson Controls’ commitment to strengthening its leadership team amid a broader transformation strategy aimed at sustainable growth.
Scalia will report directly to CEO Joakim Weidemanis and will also serve on the company’s executive committee. He brings with him over two decades of experience in human resources, business transformation, and operational leadership, most recently at The Hershey Company.
Extensive Background in Transformation and HR Leadership
Prior to joining Johnson Controls, Scalia served in dual roles at Hershey as Chief Human Resources Officer and Chief Transformation Officer. In these capacities, he played a critical role in reshaping the company’s operations, organizational structure, and workforce strategy. Under his leadership, Hershey achieved industry-leading shareholder returns and executed a comprehensive transformation strategy that positioned it as a leader in the snacking industry.
Scalia’s leadership style focuses on front-line enablement, team development, and continuous improvement. He has been instrumental in applying lean principles and driving cultural change, elements that are expected to play a significant role in his new role at Johnson Controls.
A Strategic Appointment for Future Growth
CEO Joakim Weidemanis emphasized the strategic importance of Scalia’s appointment, stating, “Chris brings a rare combination of people and culture strategy, operational excellence, and a deep commitment to building excellent teams. As we continue to transform Johnson Controls into a growth-focused, customer-centric powerhouse, Chris’s leadership will be critical in shaping a world-class employee experience, making us a magnet for top talent and building the capabilities we need to win with customers.”
Scalia succeeds Marlon Sullivan, who will be departing the company at the end of July. Sullivan will remain on board in an advisory capacity for a transitional period to ensure a smooth handoff of responsibilities.
A Career Marked by Versatility and Achievement
Scalia began his career practicing labor relations and management employment law at Morgan Lewis before transitioning into corporate roles. Over his tenure at Hershey, he held more than ten different positions, contributing to initiatives across supply chain, profit and loss operations, talent development, workforce analytics, and business model transformation.
His academic credentials include an Executive Master’s degree in Human Resources from Cornell University, a Juris Doctorate from Penn State, and a Bachelor of Arts from Juniata College. This combination of legal and HR expertise positions Scalia uniquely to navigate complex organizational dynamics and regulatory environments.
About Johnson Controls
Johnson Controls is a global leader in building technology, software, and services. With more than 140 years of innovation, the company is dedicated to transforming the environments where people live, work, learn, and play. Its mission is to reimagine building performance to better serve people, places, and the planet.
The company’s digital platform, OpenBlue, integrates smart technologies to deliver customized, sustainable solutions across a wide range of industries including healthcare, education, data centers, airports, and manufacturing. Johnson Controls holds the distinction of offering the world’s largest portfolio of building technology and software solutions.
With a strong emphasis on sustainability and innovation, Johnson Controls continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in building environments. The addition of Chris Scalia to the executive team underscores the company’s ongoing commitment to talent development and organizational excellence.
Looking Ahead
As Johnson Controls navigates its next phase of growth, Chris Scalia’s appointment is expected to play a crucial role in aligning the company’s human resources strategy with its long-term vision. His experience in leading enterprise-wide transformation and fostering high-performing cultures will be instrumental in driving employee engagement, operational efficiency, and overall business success.
Investors, partners, and employees alike will be watching closely as Scalia steps into his new role and begins to shape the future of Johnson Controls from the inside out.
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