Chris Willis

Chris is the Chief People and Administrative Officer of PrimeSource Brands, a private equity owned building products manufacturing, distribution and transportation company with $2.8 billion in revenue and over 2500 team members. He joined PrimeSource Brands in early 2021 to help lead the creation of a people first organization through the integration of multiple building supply companies into PrimeSource Brands.

Prior to joining PrimeSource Brands, Chris served as Executive Vice President, Chief People and Corporate Affairs Officer of Interstate Batteries, Inc. In this capacity, he had responsibility for company culture, corporate communications, and human resources. Chris also oversaw all legal matters, including litigation, intellectual property, corporate governance and corporate transactions.

Chris accepted his first in-house legal role with Cunningham Lindsey, U.S., Inc., an international risk management firm, where he later attained the position of Senior Vice President and General Counsel. Chris began his legal career as a litigation associate with Touchstone, Bernays, Johnston, Beall and Smith, L.L.C. after receiving his Juris Doctorate degree from the Dedman School of Law at Southern Methodist University (“SMU”). He also completed his undergraduate studies at SMU, earning Bachelor of Arts degrees in Economics and Political Science.

Chris is active in the Texas General Counsel Forum and within the Dallas leadership development communities at the undergraduate, graduate and executive levels. He is an adjunct professor in the Simmons School of Education and Human Development at SMU where he co-teaches Advanced Leadership and Coaching. Chris is also an adjunct lecturer with the Stagen Leadership Academy and frequent guest lecturer on employment law and corporate culture at the SMU’s Dedman School of Law and Cox School of Business. Chris previously served as President of the Texas General Counsel Forum, chairman of its Dallas chapter and is a co-founder of the Forum Leadership Institute.

Outside of work and professional organizations, Chris enjoys spending time with his wife Jill, also a Dedman School of Law graduate, and their three daughters. He is active in Highland Park United Methodist Church and serves on the Board of Directors of Family Legacy, a Christian organization dedicated to serving Zambian orphans and vulnerable children. Chris is also a member of the Salesmanship Club of Dallas and supporter of the Momentous Institute, an early childhood development lab school.