Ernest Nicolas
Global Enterprise Operations Executive | Supply Chain & Digital Executive | Public & Private Board Director
Avient Corporation•Avon Lake, Ohio, United States
View LinkedIn ProfileExecutive Overview
As HP's Chief Enterprise Operations Officer, I lead the infrastructure that powers the company spanning end-to-end global supply chain, digital and data platforms, AI architecture and decisioning, sustainability, security, real estate, and the operating mechanisms that keep a global enterprise running with discipline and resilience. I'm known for building systems and teams that perform under pressure, scale with intention, and stay anchored in service to customers and employees. My approach is straightforward: clarity in strategy, rigor in execution, and deep respect for the people who make transformation possible. I also serve on public, private, and industry boards, including the National Association of Manufacturers, where I bring an operator's perspective to long-term value creation, national competitiveness, and organizational health.
Career Timeline
- HP .CurrentJun 2022–Present· 4 yrs 3 mos
- Chief Enterprise Operations OfficerCurrentNov 2024–Present
- Chief Enterprise Operations OfficerNov 2024–Jun 2026
- Chief Supply Chain OfficerJun 2022–Nov 2024
- Avient CorporationCurrentAug 2021–Present· 5 yrs 1 mo
- Member, Board of DirectorsCurrentAug 2021–Present
- Wahl Clipper CorporationCurrentAug 2020–Present· 6 yrs 1 mo
- Member, Advisory BoardCurrentAug 2020–Present
- 2018–Present· 8 yrs 8 mos
- MemberCurrent2018–Present
- 2025–Feb 2024· 0 mos
- Member, Board of Directors2025–Feb 2024
- 2024–Jul 2025· 1 yr 6 mos
- Member, Advisory Board2024–Jul 2025
- Feb 2023–Feb 2025· 2 yrs
- Member, Advisory Committee for Supply Chain CompetitivenessFeb 2023–Feb 2025
- Sep 2006–Jun 2022· 15 yrs 9 mos
- Chief Supply Chain OfficerNov 2019–Jun 2022
- Vice President, Global Supply ChainJul 2018–Oct 2019
- SVP & Chief Supply Chain Officer (previously VP Global Supply Chain & Chief Procurement Officer)Aug 2015–Jun 2022
- Vice President, Strategic Sourcing and Supply Management (Chief Procurement Officer)Aug 2015–Jun 2018
- Various Supply Chain PositionsSep 2006–Jul 2015
- Manufacturing, Supply Chain Planning & Regional Operations LeadershipSep 2006–Aug 2015
- Sep 1997–Sep 2006· 9 yrs
- Manufacturing & Supply Chain Roles Across Electro‑Motive, SUV Assembly & PowertrainnSep 1997–Sep 2006
- Various Supply Chain PositionsSep 1997–Sep 2006
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Manufacturing Systems Engineering
Kettering UniversityMaster's Degree
Manufacturing Systems Engineering
University of Wisconsin-MadisonMaster of Business Administration (M.B.A.)
Operations Management
Wisconsin School of Business