Kristofer Kolstad is an outcomes-oriented leader and mentor with global experience in manufacturing across M&A, strategic planning, business development, sales management, digital marketing, contract negotiations, and market-driven product development. Working in the private sector, Kris has lead teams in the design and manufacture of engineered products/components that support multiple end-market platforms in space (launch & satellites), aerospace, defense, marine, power generation, automation, food & beverage, medical devices, and heavy industry. Kris has driven profitable revenue growth through new product introductions, market expansion, global business development, and customer-centric research and development. Additionally, he has extensive experience in mergers & acquisitions for publicly traded companies and with private equity firms.

At Kaman Corporation, Kris architected the strategy for the Engineered Products division, driving organic growth and leading strategic acquisitions. While initially focused on aerospace and defense related markets, the division has successfully expanded into medical, space, heavy industry, robotics, and other technology-oriented end markets. The resulting double digit compound annual growth has made Engineered Products the largest and most profitable part of Kaman’s portfolio, producing over $500M in revenue.

Kris received his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Yale and his M.S. in Material Science and MBA in International Marketing from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He is also an advisor in the Yale School of Engineering and Applied Sciences for Project Liquid, a liquid propelled rocket development program.