Ken Walma
About Ken Walma
Ken Walma serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Big Ass Fans, a position he has held since 2022. With extensive experience in leadership roles at Eaton and other companies, he focuses on innovation and customer-centric solutions in the air movement and heat industry.
Work at Big Ass Fans
Ken Walma serves as the Chief Executive Officer at Big Ass Fans, a position he has held since 2022. He operates out of Lexington, Kentucky, where he focuses on driving innovation and enhancing customer experiences within the air movement and heat industry. His leadership is characterized by a commitment to product and service solutions that leverage Internet of Things (IoT) technologies.
Previous Experience at Eaton
Prior to his current role, Ken Walma held multiple leadership positions at Eaton. He was the Vice President & General Manager of Lighting Systems & Solutions from 2014 to 2015, and later served as Vice President & General Manager of Ambient & Controls Solutions from 2015 to 2017. He also held the position of General Manager for Cooper Lighting from 2009 to 2011 and led the Global Controls Unit from 2012 to 2014. His tenure at Eaton spanned over a decade, during which he contributed to significant growth and transformation initiatives.
Education and Expertise
Ken Walma has a strong educational background with degrees from several prestigious institutions. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of South Carolina. He also completed a Master's degree in Business Administration at Emory University's Goizueta Business School. Additionally, he participated in Executive Education programs at both the Georgia Institute of Technology and Rice University, enhancing his expertise in business management and leadership.
Board Memberships and Current Roles
In addition to his role at Big Ass Fans, Ken Walma is actively involved in several organizations. He has served as a Board Member for Mason Bottle since 2023 and for Current Lighting in the Greenville-Spartanburg-Anderson area. He also holds the position of Group President for Madison Air's Air Movement & Heat Group, further expanding his influence in the industry.
Leadership Philosophy and Impact
Ken Walma employs a leadership philosophy centered on servant leadership, which emphasizes supporting employees to achieve success. His approach has been instrumental in driving digital transformations that enhance revenue and improve service metrics. He has a proven track record of leading businesses with revenues ranging from $3 million to $1.8 billion, showcasing his ability to manage and grow organizations effectively.