In this special episode of FlowCast, presented by Trillium Flow Technologies, we have the honor of hosting Trillium's new CEO (interim), Doug Kitani. Join our host, Michelle Dawn Mooney, as she delves into Doug's extensive background and his vision for the future of Trillium.
A Diverse and Impressive Resume
Doug Kitani brings a wealth of experience from his roles as CEO (interim) in the aerospace and defense industry, where he led successful turnarounds at companies like Erickson Incorporated and IAP Global Services. His journey began at West Point and included significant stints in private equity, mergers, acquisitions, and corporate development. This diverse background has uniquely prepared him to steer Trillium toward new heights.
Servant Leadership and Mission-Driven Focus
Doug emphasizes the importance of servant leadership, a philosophy deeply ingrained in his approach to leading teams and organizations. His commitment to serving the country, community, and team members has shaped his leadership style, driving a sense of mission and purpose across all levels of the organization.
Commonalities Between Aerospace, Defense, and Flow Control
Drawing parallels between his previous experiences and Trillium's operations, Doug highlights the critical importance of the missions served by Trillium's products, such as energy, clean water, and sanitation. Safety and quality are paramount, with a relentless focus on ensuring that Trillium's engineered valves, pumps, and actuators meet the highest standards.
Leadership, Decisiveness, and Innovation
Doug shares insights from his successful turnaround projects, emphasizing the importance of building a strong, aligned leadership team, making decisive actions, and fostering a culture of execution. He underscores the necessity of quick decision-making to enable the team to achieve growth and transformation goals.
Unlocking Growth Opportunities
At Trillium, Doug sees tremendous potential for growth through optimizing sales and business development efforts. By leveraging existing capabilities and exploring new markets, such as aerospace and defense, Trillium aims to achieve higher organic growth and expand its footprint globally.
Driving Innovation and Customer Intimacy
Doug's vision for innovation at Trillium involves a closer alignment between sales, product development, and customer needs. By fostering customer intimacy and investing in new product innovation, Trillium is poised to introduce cutting-edge solutions that address the evolving demands of the flow control industry.
Safety and Execution: Cornerstones of Success
Doug's commitment to safety is unwavering, recognizing that a focus on safety not only protects employees but also drives operational excellence. By integrating safety into the execution culture, Trillium aims to achieve improved margins, reduced waste, and enhanced overall performance.
A Vision for the Future
Doug's initial priorities as CEO (interim) include refining the leadership team, unlocking growth, and ensuring flawless execution. His unique background, coupled with a deep understanding of global operations, positions him to lead Trillium toward a future of sustained growth and innovation.