Jim Walters is an Industry Vertical Advisor for the Aerospace and Defense practice of Level 5 Partners. In this position, Jim identifies, consults, and engages with executive leaders in the aerospace industry. Jim is also an integral part of the firm’s Human Resources and Diversity practice.

With more than 30 years of leadership experience, Jim is an accomplished senior executive and HR professional, with experience spanning manufacturing, industrial products, agricultural equipment and credit & finance. Leveraging Jim’s extensive experience, his expertise includes team leadership, labor and union relations, employee engagement, succession planning, employee benefits, talent development, performance management, organizational effectiveness, internship program management and cost management.

Jim previously served as the Senior Vice President of Human Resources and Communications with Textron Aviation, a role he started in 2014 following the the combination of Cessna Aircraft Company and Beechcraft Aircraft Company. In this role, he was responsible for global HR management, including labor and employee relations, talent acquisition and employee communication and engagement. He also served as an integral member of the Implementation Team responsible for the merger and integration of the $1.5 billion Beechcraft Aircraft Company, leading the merger of people and processes, which is now the largest general aircraft OEM in the world.

Before the acquisition, Jim served as the Senior Vice President of Cessna Aircraft Company from 2001 to 2014, leading all HR functions. From 1981 to 2001, Jim served John Deere as the Head of  Human Resources Canada, followed by HR leadership in China and ultimately, Global Head of Human Resources.

Jim is an experienced board member and currently Board Chair for Rainbows United, a not-for-profit organization that focuses on the needs of autistic children. Jim is also a Founding Member of the National Center for Aviation Training.

Jim is an industry thought leader, public speaker, private pilot and fluent in French.