DU's 88th National Convention

Kevin Plank

Founder, President and CEO

Kevin Plank is the Founder, President & CEO of Under Armour, Inc., a global leader in performance apparel, footwear, and accessories. He launched the company in 1996 with the vision of creating athletic gear that enhanced performance through innovative fabric technology. Starting from his grandmother’s basement, Plank developed the first moisture-wicking compression shirt that became the foundation of Under Armour’s brand identity.

Under his leadership as CEO from 1996 to 2019, Plank transformed Under Armour from a start-up into a multi-billion-dollar enterprise recognized for its bold marketing, cutting-edge products, and athlete-first ethos. The company has since grown into an internationally recognized brand with more than 16,000 employees and a presence in over 100 countries.

In 2020, Plank transitioned to the role of Executive Chairman and Brand Chief, focusing on long-term brand strategy, product innovation, and community engagement. Beyond Under Armour, he is the CEO of Sagamore Ventures, his privately held investment company, which focuses on ventures in consumer products, real estate, hospitality, and social impact—particularly in Baltimore, Maryland, where he is deeply committed to urban revitalization.

Plank is a graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park, where he served as the special teams captain for the football team. His entrepreneurial journey and business leadership have earned him recognition as one of America’s most influential and dynamic business figures.

Nina Leigh Krueger

President and CEO, Nestlé Purina PetCare

As President and CEO of Nestlé Purina PetCare North America, Nina Leigh Krueger leads the organization’s vision to be the world’s most trusted company in enriching the lives of pets and the people who love them. She began her career at Purina in 1993 as an intern and has since served in many key roles, working to elevate key global brands, bring innovation to market, and lead priority initiatives to strengthen the business.

Nina Leigh led the integration of Purina’s marketing organization into Nestlé following the company’s 2001 acquisition. She was named vice president of Purina’s litter division, Golden Products, in 2010, driving record growth on the business through category innovation. In 2015, Nina Leigh earned the role of Chief Marketing Officer overseeing the marketing strategy for the company’s broad portfolio of more than two dozen pet care brands, including Purina ONE, Purina Pro Plan, Fancy Feast and Tidy Cats. She became the President of Nestlé Purina PetCare in 2016 before becoming CEO in 2021.

Nina Leigh is a graduate of Miami University with a Bachelor of Science degree in marketing and earned her MBA from Washington University’s Olin School of Business in 1994. She lives in St. Louis with her husband and their two dogs. She has three sons.

Nina Leigh is active in her community, serving on multiple boards and executive committees of various non-profit organizations including St. Louis Children’s Hospital, Greater St. Louis Inc., the St. Louis Police Foundation and the St. Louis Community Foundation. She received the Women’s Foundation of Greater St Louis’ Making a Difference Award in 2021. She also is an outspoken champion and supporter of the Purple Leash Project, an effort of Purina and the nonprofit RedRover that is helping more domestic violence shelters across the U.S. become pet-friendly.