Former Barnes Aerospace President Ian Reason Joins Wilder Industries Advisory Board to Support Next Generation Aerospace Manufacturing
Veteran aerospace executive brings more than four decades of leadership experience as Wilder Industries expands its integrated manufacturing capabilities in aerospace and defense.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — [August 12, 2026] — Wilder Industries today announced the appointment of Ian Reason to its Advisory Board, further strengthening the company’s leadership as it continues expanding its role as an advanced manufacturing partner for the aerospace and defense industry.
Reason brings more than 46 years of executive and military leadership experience, including 22 years leading global aerospace and defense organizations and 24 years of distinguished service in the Royal Navy. Throughout his career, he has overseen complex manufacturing operations, driven strategic growth initiatives, and led billion-dollar business units serving some of the world’s most demanding aerospace customers.
His appointment marks another milestone in Wilder Industries’ long-term strategy to become the preferred manufacturing partner for companies developing next-generation aircraft, drones, unmanned systems, advanced space and defense platforms, and other emerging aerospace technologies.
“Wilder Industries was built around solving complex manufacturing challenges,” said Will Wilder, Founder and CEO of Wilder Industries. “As we continue investing in advanced manufacturing technologies and expanding our capabilities, we’re equally committed to surrounding our team with industry leaders who have built and scaled world-class aerospace organizations. Ian’s experience leading some of the industry’s most respected companies makes him an incredible addition to our Advisory Board.”
Throughout his career, Reason has held executive leadership positions including, most recently, President of Barnes Aerospace where he held full profit-and-loss responsibility for a $1 billion aerospace company and prior to this, President of a number of Operating Companies within Triumph Group. Throughout his career, he also played a leading role in aerospace and defense mergers and acquisitions totaling more than $5 billion in enterprise value, helping shape strategic growth across the industry.
His expertise spans aerospace manufacturing, operational excellence, business development, private equity, mergers and acquisitions, and global leadership—experience that will help guide Wilder Industries through its next phase of growth.
“Wilder Industries represents exactly the type of manufacturing company our industry needs,” said Reason. “The aerospace and defense market is evolving rapidly, creating new opportunities for companies that can combine advanced manufacturing technologies with the agility today’s innovators require. I’m excited to join the Advisory Board and help support Wilder’s vision of becoming a trusted manufacturing partner for the next generation of aerospace programs.”
As aerospace and defense companies accelerate development of autonomous aircraft, advanced air mobility platforms, and next-generation defense systems, manufacturers capable of delivering integrated production solutions are becoming increasingly valuable. Wilder Industries is investing in advanced manufacturing processes that help customers streamline production while maintaining the quality, precision, and scalability required for mission-critical applications.
The addition of Reason reinforces the company’s commitment to building not only advanced manufacturing capabilities but also a leadership team with deep experience across aerospace operations, strategic growth, and defense manufacturing.
“Our customers aren’t simply looking for a supplier—they’re looking for a manufacturing partner that understands where the industry is headed,” Will added. “Ian’s experience helps strengthen our ability to anticipate those needs and continue building a company capable of supporting the future of aerospace manufacturing.”
Reason is the first in a series of strategic Advisory Board appointments Wilder Industries plans to announce as it continues expanding its leadership team and manufacturing capabilities.
About Wilder Industries
Wilder Industries is an advanced manufacturing company specializing in integrated production solutions for the aerospace and defense industries. Through precision sheet metal fabrication, CNC machining, robotic assembly, and scalable manufacturing processes, Wilder Industries helps innovative companies transition efficiently from prototype development to full-rate production. By combining engineering expertise with advanced automation, Wilder Industries serves as a one-stop manufacturing partner for emerging aerospace companies building the next generation of aircraft, drones, unmanned systems, space and defense technologies.
Media Contact
Ron Castro
Director of Sales and Business Development
Wilder Industries
206-953-9887
ronald.castro@wilderindustries.com
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