Christopher A. Sinclair was born on September 5, 1950, in Hong Kong. He spent his early years in Mumbai, India, and received his education at the Kodaikanal International School. His father served as President of International Operations at Esso Petroleum, now known as Exxon Mobil. Sinclair later moved to the United States, where he graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Marketing from the University of Kansas. He was also a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. In 1973, he earned an MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College.
His professional career began with positions at General Foods and Newsweek, before embarking on a significant trajectory at PepsiCo that defined much of his early legacy. In 1989, he was appointed President of the newly established Pepsi-Cola International, following his leadership of the Central Division of Pepsi U.S. By 1993, he was promoted to CEO of PepsiCo Foods and Beverages International, and eventually became President and CEO of Pepsi-Cola Co., also serving on the board of directors of PepsiCo.
One of his most prominent achievements was leading Pepsi’s entry into the Indian market, a strategic expansion that involved recruiting key figures such as future CEO Indra Nooyi. His aggressive growth strategy was evident in his 1994 statement to Fortune magazine, where he declared that if Coca-Cola grew by 8%, Pepsi would aim for 10% or 12%. His forecast that cola sales outside the U.S. would reach $5 billion by 1995 was not only accurate but exceeded. Sinclair stepped down from PepsiCo in 1996.
He later assumed leadership at Mattel, Inc., becoming Chairman and CEO of the world’s largest toy company. Under his direction, Mattel navigated industry shifts and market challenges, consolidating his reputation as a transformational leader. He also serves as a Non-Executive Director at Reckitt Benckiser plc.
His experience on corporate boards includes roles at Foot Locker, FW Woolworth Company, Merisant (Equal Sugar), and Perdue Farms. He has been active in educational and advisory institutions, serving as a trustee at Brunswick School and Vermont Academy, and on the Board of Overseers at the Tuck School of Business.
Christopher A. Sinclair’s career is marked by strategic foresight, operational leadership, and global market acumen. His contributions have spanned consumer goods, branding, and corporate governance, leaving a lasting impact on multiple international enterprises.