W. Patrick "Pat" McGinnis (born c. 1947)[1] is the former CEO of Nestlé Purina PetCare Company (formerly Ralston Purina Company), serving in that position from 2001 to 2015;[2] and non-executive chairman of the board from January 2015 to January 2017.[3][4]
W. Patrick McGinnis was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, to Margaret (nee Cisne) and William McGinnis.[5] William McGinnis was the Chief of OB/GYN at St. Luke’s Hospital in St. Louis.[1] Patrick McGinnis considered either a career in medicine or business while in high school.[1] He attended the University of Denver, where he earned a B.A. in political science and economics. He then earned his MBA in marketing from the Olin Business School at Washington University in 1972.[1]
McGinnis is the father of two sons who are both businessmen.[1]
McGinnis had an over 42 year career with Purina. He joined the company immediately after completing his MBA[1] through its corporate management training program.[4] At Purina, he moved through various management roles, finally becoming the President and CEO: