Mr. Johnston is a seasoned executive with more than 38 years of leadership experience spanning the aerospace, defense, and medical sectors. Over the course of his career, he has built and scaled organizations, strengthened operational discipline, and established long-standing relationships with major OEMs and strategic partners.
Before joining Palladyne AI in 2025, Mr. Johnston served at Crucis, a private investment firm focused on reshoring and strengthening the U.S. aerospace and defense supply chain. Prior to that, he led the transformation of a $500,000 operation into a $58 million global enterprise with more than eight domestic and international sites. In 2016, he successfully positioned and sold the business to Blackstone, underscoring his ability to create long-term value and drive sustainable growth.
Known for his operational rigor and strategic insight, Mr. Johnston has consistently optimized performance, guided teams through large-scale transformation, and delivered results in complex, mission-critical environments. He continues to serve as a trusted advisor and executive leader, bringing deep industry expertise and a disciplined, growth-oriented approach to advancing Palladyne’s mission.
