Ryan Cahalane

Ryan Cahalane

Global executive with a proven record of driving multimillion-dollar growth

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Professional Profile

Global executive with a proven record of driving growth, operational scale, and digital transformation across complex industrial and technology enterprises. Trusted by Fortune 500 companies to lead strategic initiatives, modernize operations, and deliver consistent shareholder value. Expert in P&L leadership, product strategy, partnership development, and executing growth agendas.

Education

  • M.S., Systems Engineering & Engineering Management

    Case Western Reserve University

  • B.S., Electrical Engineering

    Purdue University

Technical Expertise & Patents

  • Holds multiple patents in industrial data analytics, AR, and cloud systems
  • Fluent in manufacturing operations systems (MES, SCADA, HMI, PLC)
  • Broad experience in systems architecture and application across industrial verticals
  • Expertise: Startup Growth & Scale, Technology Due Diligence, Business Development, Strategic Planning

Key Achievements

  • Founded and grew Axiom Manufacturing Systems to $2MM in 24 months, with over $17MM in pipeline including multiple F500 customers, successful exit.
  • Scaled national operations for FZ Industrial Tech leading to a strategic acquisition; achieved 30%+ YoY growth during pandemic.
  • Architected 'Data Driven Advantage' strategy at Colfax and led digital transformation across portfolio companies and multiple product and service lines.
  • Led a $200M software portfolio at Rockwell Automation, expanding GTM reach and global market share.
  • Mentored and developed numerous leaders now in executive positions from F500 to leading startups.

Recent Engagement Highlights

  • Supported a $1B PE firm in identifying, evaluating, and integrating investments in the industrial OT technology space — providing market insight, sourcing, due diligence, and integration support.
  • Advised multiple regional systems integrators on strategic growth, operational scaling, and ownership transition — including facilitating introductions to potential investors and buyers.
  • Guided a cohort of international technology startups through U.S. market entry via the JETRO program — refining messaging, go-to-market strategy, and partnerships to create immediate commercial traction.
  • Led advisory and operational engagements for manufacturers pursuing performance improvement, digital transformation, and market expansion.

Board Leadership

Executive-in-Residence

Industry 4.0 Accelerator

Strategic Advisor

Bennit A.I.

Board Advisor

IIoT World

Experience

Managing Partner

Axiom Manufacturing Systems / Cleveland, OH / Present

  • • Founded a next-generation advisory and systems integration firm.
  • • Grew business from inception to over $2MM (1MM ARR) and $17MM in pipeline within 24 months.
  • • Positioned firm as premier mid-market digital transformation consultancy.
  • • Led strategy for M&A preparedness that led to multiple offers and successful exit to Nasdaq-listed Magic Software.
  • • Provided strategic advisory services to private equity firms and institutional investors on manufacturing technology investments, including target identification, technical due diligence, and post-acquisition operational improvement roadmaps across industrial automation and digital transformation initiatives.

President

Feyen Zylstra Industrial Tech / 2019–2022

  • • Developed and executed the rapid transformation and growth of a digital manufacturing consulting and integration services firm.
  • • Drove 30%+ annual growth during pandemic.
  • • Expanded national footprint, and executed successful strategic sale.

Vice President, Digital Growth

Colfax Fluid Handling / 2017–2019

  • • Led enterprise-wide digital transformation.
  • • Defined and launched multiple high-growth digital offerings with the potential to create disruptive competitive advantage.
  • • Drove IT cost reduction and engineering efficiency across portfolio companies.

Director of Innovation

QSIsoft / 2016–2017

  • • Responsible for driving innovation for the next generation of products and solutions.
  • • Identified and incubated technology prototypes for then-new cloud applications.

Global Business Director, Software

Rockwell Automation / 2014–2016

  • • Product and general management of a $200MM+ software business with segment-leading growth and margins. Global P&L responsibility.
  • • Led company-wide digital transformation to SaaS and high-value software.
  • • Expanded ARR and improved operating margins by 18%.

Product General Manager, Data Management

GE Intelligent Platforms / 2008–2013

  • • Global product leadership of industrial data management and analytics software.
  • • Turned around struggling product line, achieving portfolio-leading growth through transformative product development, rebrand and direct field engagement.

Senior Consultant

Deloitte Consulting

  • • Supported senior management in major decision-making and change initiatives.
  • • Led multiple engagements involving strategy development, planning, requirements gathering, system definition, prototyping, and design.

Earlier Career

Various Manufacturing & Technology Companies

  • • Activplant
  • • Brock Solutions
  • • Goodyear