Helios Technologies Appoints Aerospace Industry Veteran Ian Walsh to Board of Directors
Helios Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: HLIO), a global frontrunner in the development of highly engineered motion control and electronic control technologies, has officially announced the appointment of Ian Walsh to its Board of Directors, effective June 5, 2025. With a distinguished career spanning over three decades, Mr. Walsh brings a wealth of strategic, operational, and leadership experience to the Helios boardroom. He has also been appointed to serve on the Board’s Audit Committee and Governance Committee, further reinforcing Helios’ commitment to high standards of corporate oversight and strategic execution.
In his new role, Mr. Walsh will serve as a member of the Board class whose term will conclude at the 2026 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. His addition reflects Helios’ proactive approach to board composition, aiming to integrate diverse experiences and perspectives that support the Company’s long-term vision.
Laura Dempsey Brown, Chair of the Helios Board of Directors, expressed her enthusiasm regarding the appointment, stating, “We are pleased to welcome Ian Walsh to our Board. Ian’s current role as Chief Executive Officer of FDH Aero, combined with his remarkable history of leading both private and publicly traded companies, underlines the highly relevant operational and strategic insight he will bring to our boardroom. His industry expertise and proven leadership capabilities will be valuable assets as Helios intensifies its focus on driving sustained growth, enhancing profitability, and maximizing return on invested capital.”
A Proven Track Record in Aerospace, Defense, and Advanced Manufacturing
Ian Walsh currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of FDH Aero, a global distributor of aerospace hardware and chemicals, where he is responsible for driving strategic growth initiatives, customer-centric innovations, and operational excellence across a vast international platform. His work at FDH Aero builds upon a distinguished career that includes executive leadership roles in several leading organizations within the aerospace, defense, and industrial sectors.
Previously, Mr. Walsh held the positions of President, Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman of the Board at Kaman Aerospace Corporation (formerly traded on the NYSE under the ticker symbol KAMN), a premier designer and manufacturer of highly engineered subassemblies, components, and advanced aerospace systems. Under his leadership, Kaman sharpened its focus on innovation and value creation, delivering advanced solutions to meet the demanding needs of the global aerospace market.
Before joining Kaman, Mr. Walsh served as Chief Operating Officer of the REV Group (NYSE: REVG), a diversified manufacturer of specialty vehicles for a broad range of industries including emergency response, recreation, and commercial transportation. At REV Group, he was responsible for overseeing operations across more than 30 well-known brands and 22 production facilities throughout North America. These facilities produced vital assets such as fire trucks, ambulances, motorhomes, and buses—demonstrating Mr. Walsh’s ability to lead complex manufacturing operations while balancing customer requirements and product quality.
A Legacy of Excellence at Textron and the U.S. Marine Corps
Earlier in his career, Mr. Walsh dedicated two decades to Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT), a multi-industry company known for its aerospace, defense, and industrial capabilities. During his tenure, he held multiple leadership positions, culminating in his role as President and Chief Executive Officer of TRU Simulation + Training. There, he was responsible for delivering innovative flight simulation technologies and training services tailored for commercial, civil, and military aviation sectors. His stewardship of TRU earned recognition across the industry and contributed to Textron’s long-standing reputation for engineering excellence.
As part of Textron’s Executive Leadership Team, Mr. Walsh also held senior positions at Textron Systems, including Senior Vice President and General Manager of Weapon & Sensor Systems. Prior to that, he managed the Lycoming Engines business unit and oversaw various operational divisions as Senior Vice President of Operations. His career at Textron began in marketing at Bell Helicopter, another Textron subsidiary, where he laid the groundwork for what would become a highly respected leadership journey within the aerospace industry.
His professional foundation is anchored in service to the nation: Mr. Walsh served as a U.S. Marine Corps officer and naval aviator from 1989 to 1996. During this period, he piloted AH-1 Cobra attack helicopters on multiple combat deployments in Somalia, Haiti, and Bosnia, developing not only technical flight expertise but also a profound understanding of teamwork, discipline, and high-stakes decision-making. Today, he remains an active pilot with over 2,000 flight hours and holds commercial ratings in both rotary- and fixed-wing aircraft.
Academic Credentials and Continued Commitment to Leadership Excellence
Mr. Walsh’s educational background is as impressive as his professional experience. He earned a Bachelor of Arts from Hamilton College and went on to complete a Master of Public Administration at the prestigious John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. He further pursued a Master of Business Administration at Harvard Business School, equipping him with the strategic and analytical skills needed to lead large, complex organizations in rapidly evolving global markets.
In addition to his formal degrees, Mr. Walsh has also completed advanced executive education programs, including Textron’s Global Leadership Program at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and the Senior Executive Leadership Training at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. These programs have further enhanced his ability to navigate cross-functional challenges and lead multidisciplinary teams in dynamic business environments.
A lifelong learner and advocate for international cooperation, Mr. Walsh is also a life member of the Council on Foreign Relations, a nonpartisan think tank that promotes understanding of foreign policy and global affairs. His insights into international relations further broaden his strategic perspective, particularly valuable as Helios continues to expand its global presence.
In addition, Mr. Walsh is certified as a Six Sigma Black Belt in operations management, demonstrating his commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence. This certification underscores his strong foundation in data-driven decision-making, process optimization, and quality control—all crucial for Helios’ ongoing efforts to streamline operations and deliver value to shareholders and customers alike.
Strategic Alignment with Helios’ Growth Objectives
The appointment of Mr. Walsh comes at a pivotal moment for Helios Technologies as the Company executes on a multi-pronged strategy to return to sustainable growth following recent macroeconomic and industry-specific challenges. The Board believes that Mr. Walsh’s diverse skill set, industry knowledge, and leadership acumen will play a key role in supporting initiatives aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, accelerating innovation, and expanding the Company’s market share in both existing and emerging markets.
Helios Technologies is known for its world-class portfolio of motion control and electronic control solutions that are integral to a wide variety of end markets, including construction, agriculture, marine, industrial automation, and more. By tapping into Mr. Walsh’s deep expertise in advanced manufacturing, aerospace systems, and defense technologies, Helios is reinforcing its commitment to innovation, customer focus, and long-term shareholder value.
About Helios Technologies
Helios Technologies, Inc. is a global industrial technology leader that develops and manufactures solutions in motion control and electronic control systems. The Company’s innovative products power everything from hydraulic systems and electronic displays to sophisticated control interfaces used in heavy equipment and industrial applications. Headquartered in Sarasota, Florida, Helios operates a global footprint with manufacturing and distribution facilities across North America, Europe, and Asia.
With the addition of Ian Walsh to its Board of Directors, Helios Technologies continues to strengthen its leadership team and governance structure in support of its ongoing mission to drive profitable growth, operational excellence, and sustainable innovation in the industrial technology landscape.
About Helios Technologies
Helios Technologies is a global leader in highly engineered motion control and electronic controls technology for diverse end markets, including construction, material handling, agriculture, energy, recreational vehicles, marine and health and wellness. Helios sells its products to customers in over 90 countries around the world. Its strategy for growth is to be the leading provider in niche markets, with premier products and solutions through innovative product development and acquisitions. The Company has paid a cash dividend to its shareholders every quarter since becoming a public company in 1997. For more information please visit: www.heliostechnologies.com and follow us on LinkedIn.
