12-04-2025
When Chris Fultz took the stage at Purdue’s Daniels School Executive Forum, he wasn’t just representing one of the world’s most iconic engineering brands — he was bringing four decades of leadership lessons forged in the jet engine industry.
As vice president of the B-52/F130 program at Rolls-Royce, Fultz oversees the modernization of one of America’s most enduring aircraft, balancing the precision of aerospace engineering with the human side of managing global partnerships. His conversation with faculty and students revealed not only the complexity of leading large-scale programs but also the timeless skills that fuel a lasting career.
In a field defined by billion-dollar contracts and exacting standards, Fultz said integrity and discipline are non-negotiable. “Government contracting is very prescriptive,” he explained. “You have to make sure you’re doing what you said you’d do.” That focus on compliance and accountability extends beyond aerospace, offering a lesson in trust-building for anyone managing partnerships or clients.
Innovation isn’t just about engines — it’s about the tools behind them. Fultz described how Rolls-Royce uses virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) to visualize engines within aircraft before they’re ever built. “Air Force mechanics can learn to maintain the engine in a virtual world,” he said, reducing training time and identifying design issues early. It’s a powerful reminder that digital tools can enhance both performance and collaboration in any industry.
At Rolls-Royce, “safety is always at the top of every list,” Fultz noted. The company’s safety culture covers three areas: product, process and people. Beyond physical safety, employees are encouraged to care for their mental health and speak up about concerns — an approach Fultz said starts at the top with company leadership.
Reflecting on his own path from Purdue graduate to executive, Fultz said his greatest successes came from continuous learning and adaptability. “Be willing to stretch and take a risk,” he advised. He also encouraged students to find mentors and coaches early in their careers — trusted voices who can challenge and guide them along the way.
Fultz answered questions from Executive Forum instructor Dave Randich, a strategic management lecturer at the Daniels School, as well as students. Guest speakers come to campus each week to share their career insights and experiences with the class, bridging classroom lessons with real-world insight from those who keep the world moving forward.
View Fultz’s Executive Forum class:
The Daniels School’s Executive Forum is held in person on the West Lafayette campus and is open to the public, as seating permits. Follow the business school on LinkedIn to learn about upcoming Forum speakers and more.
