Walter Kissling

Walter Kissling Gam (1931–2002) was a Costa Rican-born businessman who became one of the first Central Americans to lead a Fortune 500 company. Born in Limón, Costa Rica, to Swiss and Austrian parents, he grew up during challenging economic conditions but credited his mother with inspiring him to pursue education and success. Despite not completing college, he began his career selling cheese and later worked at Wyeth International.

In 1953, Kissling joined Kativo Chemical, where he played a key role in expanding the company's operations across Central America. After the acquisition by H.B. Fuller in 1967, he advanced through leadership roles, eventually becoming CEO of H.B. Fuller in 1995 until his retirement in 1998. He remained on the company’s board for 34 years.

Kissling was instrumental in establishing the Costa Rican campus of the INCAE Business School in 1984, following political instability in Nicaragua. He also founded Asociación de Empresarios para el Desarrollo, a non-profit promoting corporate social responsibility in Costa Rica. Additionally, he served on the boards of several companies and organizations.

Known for his leadership and contributions to business and education, Kissling was often compared to Franklin Chang-Diaz as a pioneering figure in Costa Rican business. He passed away in 2002 after battling cancer. The INCAE Business School later named its Costa Rican campus in his honor.