About

Bob Ellithorpe

Founder and Principal

Through Axion I offer executive coaching based upon extensive knowledge acquired over three decades in leadership roles. From the day I stepped in front of my first infantry rifle platoon to my role as a CEO, I have continuously served in leadership positions. My experience spans a broad variety of operating environments and is highlighted below.

During my career, I incorporated coaching into my leadership. As I progressed into roles with greater scope of responsibility, I increased the use of coaching until it became central to who I was as a leader. The expanded use of coaching was driven by two elements. First and foremost, as I became a more senior leader those who reported to me were also more senior. They had skills, competencies and expertise that made them very effective. I found that my interaction with team members with such capabilities could be maximized when focused on their leadership development through coaching. Second, I discovered that I had a talent, and an affinity, for leadership coaching. With my thirty plus years leading organizations as a foundation, and with a passion for coaching it became clear to me that Axion was my next calling.

The bottom line…I will bring a passion for advancing your leadership and a commitment to your success through a personalized leadership coaching engagement.

Career Summary

Testimonials

Bob is an extraordinary leader. He has a unique ability to understand and communicate how to approach solving problems starting with effective leadership. His insights educate, inspire, and drive a desire to continue to improve. He will help you make yourself a better leader and make your organization more effective.

— Vince Tobin, Executive Vice President, Bell Flight, TX

“Business is about people, and leadership is about inspiring people to maximize their potential. I worked with Bob for three years while he served as the CEO of Tribus Aerospace. During this time, I saw Bob demonstrating leadership, in big and small ways. One of his first initiatives was to improve the safety of our manufacturing facilities. This set a positive tone that impacted all employees and demonstrated Bob’s values, experience, and priorities. Bob also introduced a management operating system to focus and scale the company. This had a big impact on me. In fact, when I started my next position at a new company, I very quickly rolled out the management operating system that I learned from Bob. He has a wide range of leadership experience. I implement the tactics that I learned from him frequently. Bob’s lessons can help leaders who want to advance their careers and become more impactful to their organizations.”

— Simon Farhi, Chief Financial Officer, NY

Bob is among the most memorable and admired leaders of my 40 year career as an engineer and program manager. His leadership experience is expansive and his emotional intelligence, judgment, and character earn followership across the diverse competencies of a business setting – the factory workforce, engineering, business administration, supply chain, business development, and executive leadership. Both emerging and seasoned leaders would be fortunate to have the benefits of his counsel.

— Linda O’Brien, Vice President, Chief Engineer, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, TX

“Bob’s energy is engaging, intense, and loving. His insights and authenticity immediately impacted me professionally and personally upon starting work with him and continue to influence me now. Bob's uniqueness makes him an ideal archetype and example of an effective executive leader, which I use when teaching my students.”

— Ormonde Cragun, Assistant Professor, University of Minnesota

"I've had the pleasure and privilege of working with Bob for the past five years in a variety of roles. When reporting to Bob, his style was collaborative, yet allowed his subordinates the freedom to create and run their business. The leadership lessons I've learned from Bob are countless and continue to prove invaluable to this day. When informed that Bob was starting his own leadership coaching business, I was elated, knowing that both I and many others would be able to benefit and learn from the treasure trove of leadership he offers. I cannot imagine learning from a better coach."

— Bill Hoyer, Business Owner and Entrepreneur, MI

Having been exposed to hundreds of leaders throughout my career, Bob clearly stands out as someone who has dedicated himself to the art of leadership through a unique combination of self education, military service, and extensive industry experience. The big differentiator with Bob is his ability to lead through an inquisitive and precise communication style. He ensures people are really connecting, listening, and not just talking past each other.

— Dave Dennison, Vice President, Engineering, Archer Aviation, CA

I have had the privilege of knowing Bob for 22 years. I place Bob in the top 5% of Leaders I have worked with. Bob is a student of Leadership and has a gift for mentoring and teaching. Because of his career experiences, Bob brings a fresh perspective to Leadership consulting that few others can emulate. Bob has led at every level to include 13 Years as a Marine Officer and Leadership Instructor to his 20 + years of Aerospace Executive Experience serving as the Program Manager for the V-22 Program, General Manager and P/L of multiple operations, and CEO of several companies.

— Jon Rudy, Chief Commercial Officer, PHI Aviation, TX

Why is Axion different than other executive leadership coaches?

Coaching based upon real-world experience and leadership success in a variety of challenging roles and situations

Over 3 decades of leadership and management experience including practical experience using coaching as a central element of leadership
Broad variety of leadership environments including:
- military and civilian,
- public corporation and private equity,
- large corporations, small businesses and startup companies,
- stand-alone businesses and divisions or plants within large organizations.
Profit and Loss leadership roles as
- Aircraft Program Manager (x 3),
- Manufacturing President / General Manager (x3),
- Manufacturing Chief Executive Officer (x1)
Formal training and experience as a U.S. Marine Corps Leadership Instructor
U.S. Marine Corps Infantry Platoon Commander (twice) and Company Commander (twice)
A passion for developing leadership in leaders
A commitment to your success as a leader

Professional Experience

CEO, Tribus Aerospace Corp
Vice President, Program Management, Archer Aviation Inc
Vice President, Program Management, GKN Aerospace North America
President & General Manager, Precision Castparts (PCC) for Fatigue Technology Inc and Aerospace Dynamics International
President & General Manager, Sikorsky Aircraft for Composite Technology, Inc. (CTI)
Senior Vice President, Strategy & Business Development, L-3 Communications for Link Simulation and Training
Executive Director and Program Manager, Bell Helicopter for 3 aircraft development and production programs (V-22 Osprey, ARH-70A, TR-911 Eagle Eye)
United States Marine Corps (Infantry Officer, 2nd Lieutenant – Major, Platoon Commander, Company Commander, International Affairs Fellow, Leadership Instructor, Strategic Initiatives Group at Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps)

Career Summary and Highlights

Education

Academic / Degree:
- University of Dallas, Master of Business Administration (MBA), International Finance
- Georgetown University, Master of Arts (MA), National Security Studies
- Texas A&M University, Bachelor of Science (BS), Political Science
Academic / Non-Degree
- Harvard University, International Affairs Fellow sponsored by Council of Foreign Relations and completed at Olin Institute for Strategic Studies
Corporate Education:
- PCC / Ross School of Business “Executive Development Program,”
- Textron / Wharton School of Business “Global Leadership Forum”
- Textron / Thunderbird International School of Management “Executive Leadership Program,”
- Textron “Developing Leadership Excellence”
- Boeing Program Management
Military Education:
- Basic Officer Course
- Infantry Officer Course
- Command and Control Systems Course
- Amphibious Warfare School