On April 7, Palladium Energy named Arthur (Art) W. Salyer as our company’s new chief executive officer and president. I sat down with Art to talk about his vision for Palladium’s future growth.
For the past two years, you’ve served as Palladium’s vice president of global operations, chief operating officer and then president. How has Palladium grown during that time?
We have been fortunate to have great customers that have allowed us to have double digit growth…even in a tough economy. We have also added some stellar new people to most all of our key functions to enhance the great people already with us. We have become much more customer focused. We have also established and are really making progress on our corporate values.
Palladium has seven worldwide locations including USA, China, Brazil, Korea, India, Sweden and Taiwan. What is your travel schedule and what do you enjoy most about working for a global company?
Always on-the-go, Art was recently on-hand to help celebrate the one-year anniversary of Palladium's Shanghai plant.
My real office is seat 15A on American Airlines. I believe it is important for the senior leader to spend plenty of face time with business stakeholders: customers, suppliers, our people and our investors. I like the blending of local business culture—combining the best geographic attributes with global best practices. I also enjoy the cultures around the world. I am big fan of museums and local music.
What changes can our customers and employees expect under your leadership?
Better customer service and a focus on customer solutions. Our people can expect, a values driven organization that has fun.
What do you think sets Palladium apart from other battery pack manufacturers, making us an industry leader?
We put safety and reliability absolutely first—we live for that. We also always deliver creative technology and engineering solutions for customers. Finally, we have a goal not just to satisfy customers…we want to delight them.
What are the top three goals you’d like to tackle as CEO and president?
1. I would like to see our growth continue at a double digit rate.
2. I want Palladium to be an employer of choice for our industry and size. I want people to want to come and join our team.
3. I would like to double the number of customers we have worldwide.
What is the one battery powered device that you couldn’t go a day without?
There are two devices that I love:
1. My MiFi unit by Novatel/Virgin.
2. I also could not live without my Barnes and Noble Nook e-book reader.
It’s a bonus that they are both powered by Palladium Energy batteries!
Finally, when you aren’t leading our business operations, what do you enjoy doing?
I have 3 children that I enjoy every day…I am a quintessential family man. I am a pilot and own a very old airplane. Finally, if it is in or on top of the ocean…I am excited.
–Rebecca Kritzman, director of marketing
